The Javanese ricefish is a beautiful and peaceful freshwater fish that is perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
This species is very easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them one of the most versatile fish in the hobby.
They are also a very active fish that loves to swim and explore their surroundings.
In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about Javanese ricefish care. You will learn about their diet, tank size, lifespan, and more!
Table of contents
Species overview
The Javanese ricefish (Oryzias javanicus) is a species of freshwater fish that’s native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
They are found in a variety of habitats, but they prefer areas with slower-moving water and plenty of vegetation.
Javanese ricefish are fairly small, only reaching a maximum length of about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch).
Despite their small size, they are a very popular choice for aquariums because of their beautiful coloration. They are silver with a series of black stripes running down their sides.
Javanese ricefish are very peaceful and can be kept with a wide variety of other fish species.
Appearance
The Javanese ricefish is a beautiful and unique species of freshwater fish. They have a long and thin body that is brown or olive green in color.
The fins on this fish are also brown or olive green and are quite slender. The dorsal fin is located towards the back of the fish and is slightly longer than the anal fin. The caudal fin is forked and is slightly longer than the dorsal fin.
This fish also has two barbels on its lower jaw that it uses to help it find food.
The Javanese ricefish is a peaceful fish that is perfect for beginners. They are also a good choice for community tanks because they get along well with other fish.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Javanese ricefish in captivity is about 2 years. In the wild, their lifespan is probably a bit shorter due to predation and other factors.
As with any fish, there are a number of things that can impact the lifespan of a Javanese ricefish. The quality of the water they’re kept in, their diet, and whether or not they’re stressed are all important factors.
Size
Javanese ricefish only grow to be about 2 inches in length.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended minimum tank size for Javanese ricefish is 5 gallons. If you’re looking for a nano fish to add to your aquarium, this is a good option.
While they can technically survive in a smaller tank, we recommend going with at least a 10 gallon tank if you want to keep a school of these fish. This will give them plenty of room to swim around and stay healthy.
Water Parameters
The Javanese ricefish is a small freshwater fish that is native to the island of Java in Indonesia.
This fish is often kept in aquariums and can be a great addition to any freshwater setup.
Javanese ricefish are not demanding when it comes to water parameters. They can live in a wide range of conditions and are very adaptable.
With that said, it’s always best to try and replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This will help keep them healthy and happy in captivity.
Here are a few guidelines to follow when setting up a Javanese ricefish aquarium.
- Water temperature: 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH levels: 6.5 to 7.5
- Water hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 4-8 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
The Javanese ricefish is a small and delicate species, so it’s important that you take care when setting up their habitat.
The substrate should be a soft and sandy material. This will protect their fins and make it easier for them to move around.
We also recommend including some plants in their tank. These can provide them with hiding places and make the environment feel more natural.
Some good options include Java moss, water wisteria, and hornwort.
You should also include a few rocks or pieces of driftwood. These can provide some needed hiding places and also help to break up the line of sight in the aquarium.
One last thing to keep in mind is that Javanese ricefish are a schooling species. This means they need to be kept in groups of at least 6 fish.
If you’re keeping them in a smaller tank, then you might need to adjust the number of fish accordingly.
Common Diseases
Thankfully, Javanese ricefish are pretty hardy when it comes to disease. They’re not immune to everything, but they’re certainly more resistant than most other freshwater fish.
The most common disease that affects this species is ich. This is a parasite that will attach itself to your fish and cause a whole host of problems.
The most obvious sign of ich is the presence of white spots on the body of your fish. If you see this, you need to take action immediately.
Another disease that can affect this species (albeit less commonly) is hole-in-the-head disease. This is another water quality related illness that will present itself as, you guessed it, holes in the head of your fish.
If you notice any strange spots or changes in your fish’s behavior, it’s always best to consult a vet or experienced aquarist. They’ll be able to help you determine if your fish is sick and, if so, how to treat them.
Of course, the best way to prevent your fish from getting sick in the first place is to maintain a clean and stable tank. This will go a long way in keeping your Javanese ricefish healthy and disease-free.
Behavior & Temperament
The Javanese ricefish is a peaceful community fish that does well in a wide variety of tanks. They’re not known to be aggressive and will often school with other fish. If you want to keep more than one Javanese ricefish, it’s best to have at least six of them. That way, they can feel more comfortable and less stressed in their environment.
These fish are relatively active and love to swim around the tank. They’re not finicky eaters, so you won’t have to worry about them being picky when it comes to food.
One thing to keep in mind is that Javanese ricefish are jumpers. So, if you have an open tank, make sure to cover it with a lid to prevent them from escaping.
Tank Mates
Javanese ricefish are peaceful community fish. They do well with a wide variety of tank mates as long as the other fish are also peaceful.
These fish are small, so they can be easily intimidated or eaten by larger fish. They’re best kept with other small fish that occupy different parts of the water column.
Some good tank mates for Javanese ricefish include:
- Neon Tetras
- Ghost shrimp
- Endler’s livebearers
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
Breeding
The Javanese ricefish is a great beginner fish for anyone looking to get into breeding. They’re easy to care for and don’t require a lot of special equipment or knowledge.
To start, you’ll need a breeding tank that’s at least 10 gallons. The tank should be well-aerated and have a sponge filter. You’ll also need some live plants and a layer of gravel on the bottom.
As for water conditions, aim for a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to sexing these fish, males are usually smaller and have longer fins. Females are typically larger and have a more rounded body shape.
To increase your chances of breeding, aim for a ratio of two males to every female. Once you have your fish in the breeding tank, feed them live foods and plenty of high-quality flakes.
After a few weeks, you should start to see the females getting fuller. That’s a sign that they’re ready to lay eggs.
The eggs will be laid on the plants in the tank. Once they’re laid, the male will fertilize them and then stand guard. He’ll do this until the eggs hatch, which usually takes about two weeks.
Once the fry have hatched, you can remove the adults from the tank. The fry will feed on algae and other small organisms in the tank. You can supplement their diet with baby brine shrimp or crushed-up flakes.
As they grow, you can slowly start to introduce them to larger foods. Once they’re big enough, they can be moved to your main tank.
Conclusion
The Javanese ricefish is a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They’re peaceful, beautiful, and easy to care for.
We hope this guide has helped you learn everything you need to know about Javanese ricefish care. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with these fish, feel free to leave a comment below!
