More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 litres / 10.57 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 3.5cm / 1.38inches |
| Temperature | 23°C / 73.40°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Hardness | 5.04dgH / 90ppm - 25.04dgH / 447ppm |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 |
General Description
The Oryzias Dancena, commonly known as the Indian Ricefish, is often mistaken for O. melastigma or O. javanicus but is distinct in its features. Belonging to the Beloniformes order, this micropredator typically feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton in its natural habitat. It is a small fish with a maximum size of 3.5cm and is found across eastern and southern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Aquarium Setup
The Indian Ricefish thrives in a heavily planted aquarium with a dark substrate, dense vegetation patches, and some open spaces. Decorate the tank with twisted roots, bogwood, and surface vegetation. Maintain water conditions within a pH range of 6.5-8.5, with a temperature of 23-27°C, and a water hardness of 90-447ppm (see table).
Behaviour
While generally peaceful, the Indian Ricefish is not an ideal addition to all community tanks due to its small size. It tends to coexist well with diminutive species like Microdevario, Trigonostigma, Pseudomugi, and some Danio spp. It displays non-aggressive behavior towards its own kind and fares best in groups of 8 or more.
Feeding and Diet
In the aquarium, the Indian Ricefish accepts dried foods but should be fed daily with small live or frozen organisms like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. Offering high-quality flakes and granules is also recommended to ensure a balanced diet for these fish.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Breeding the Indian Ricefish is relatively easy, with females producing batches of eggs frequently. Males darken in color during spawning and defend territories against each other. The adhesive eggs are fertilized externally, then left to hang from the female before hatching. Males have elongated fins and a slimmer body compared to females, with distinct differences in anal fin shape and coloration.
Habitat and Distribution
The Indian Ricefish is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from brackish mangrove swamps to freshwater streams and oxbows. Originally described near Calcutta, India, it has a widely distributed range including eastern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Thailand and Malaysia.