CheckMyFishTank

Japanese Rice Fish care

Oryzias latipes · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Japanese Rice Fish, painted illustration

A hardy, tiny fish that does well in cool unheated tanks.

Smallest tank10 gallons
Adult size1.5 inches
Temperature61 to 72°F
pH6.5 to 8
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsTop of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They are slow to compete for food, so avoid fast tankmates.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Micro pellets, flakes, baby brine shrimp.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Japanese Rice Fish in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Black Skirt TetraFantail GoldfishGold BarbLeopard DanioNeon TetraOdessa BarbPanda CorydorasPearl DanioPeppered CorydorasPlaty

Do not mix with

  • Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Green Neon Tetra: Green Neon Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Ember Tetra: Ember Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Glowlight Tetra: Glowlight Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Bleeding Heart Tetra: Bleeding Heart Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Rummynose Tetra: Rummynose Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Congo Tetra: Congo Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.
  • Diamond Tetra: Diamond Tetra and Japanese Rice Fish need different water temperatures.

Questions

What size tank does a Japanese Rice Fish need?

At least 10 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 1.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Japanese Rice Fish like?

61 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Japanese Rice Fish should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Japanese Rice Fish eat?

Micro pellets, flakes, baby brine shrimp. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.