Orange Sparkle Medaka Ricefish Care Guide

The Orange Sparkle Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes) is a charming and resilient freshwater fish known for its warm orange body color and shimmering, reflective scales that sparkle under aquarium lighting. Its peaceful temperament and adaptability make it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned fishkeepers.

Origin
Medaka Ricefish are native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China, where they inhabit slow-moving streams, rice paddies, and ponds. The Orange Sparkle variety is a selectively bred color morph prized for ornamental aquariums and outdoor ponds.

Appearance
The Orange Sparkle Medaka has a soft to vivid orange body, often accented with iridescent speckles that catch the light. These fish typically reach 1.5–1.8 inches in length and have a streamlined shape with clear or slightly tinted fins.

Behavior
They are peaceful, social fish that do well in groups of six or more. Medaka are active swimmers and spend most of their time in the middle and upper parts of the water column.

Tank Setup

* Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for a small group.
* Can be kept in aquariums or outdoor tubs/ponds in suitable climates.
* Provide plants (live or artificial) for shelter and spawning surfaces.
* Gentle filtration and moderate lighting help mimic natural conditions.

Water Parameters

* Temperature: 64–78°F (can tolerate cooler temperatures)
* pH: 7.0–8.0
* Hardness: Moderately hard water preferred

Diet
Orange Sparkle Medaka Ricefish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae.

Tank Mates
They get along well with other small, peaceful fish like white cloud mountain minnows, small danios, and shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates.

Care Tips

* Keep them in groups to promote natural schooling behavior.
* Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality.
* Provide spawning mops or fine-leaved plants if breeding is desired.

Conclusion
The Orange Sparkle Medaka Ricefish is a hardy, beautiful species that adds color and activity to any community aquarium or outdoor setup. Its easygoing nature and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking both visual appeal and low-maintenance care.

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