Javanese Ricefish

The Javanese Ricefish  is an extraordinarily adaptable fish species that lives in a wide variety of salinities and water parameters. This schooling fish can be the highlight in any peaceful community aquarium and it is a particular standout in the planted aquarium. There seems to be some debate as to whether it should be considered part of the killifish family since it behaves similarly, but is not closely related to most other killifish. This tropical fish can freely inhabit many salinities of water and will display its best coloration over dark-colored substrate.

The Javanese Ricefish typically occupies the middle and top level of the water column.  It is safe with other peaceful, small fish. Due to its small size, it can be viewed as similar to microrasboras and blue-eye rainbowfish as far as its compatibility with dwarf shrimp. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. When keeping the Javanese Ricefish with dwarf shrimp, plenty of plants and cover are recommended. It is also best to introduce the dwarf shrimp to the aquarium before introducing the Javanese Rice Fish.

The Javanese Ricefish must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Not only will it display its best natural behavior and coloration in large schools, but it will also pay little attention to other species. This tank-raised fish is very hardy and adaptable, but it requires clean, well-maintained water to thrive and it will display optimal coloration and health in a planted aquarium with dark substrate, especially where floating plants are present. It will not do well long-term in acidic water. As long as it has plenty of cover, it is an extremely outgoing species. It is very easy to breed in the aquarium. It has the ability to jump, so a secure aquarium lid is necessary. If kept in brackish conditions, live plant options will be limited, but Java Fern is among the few freshwater plants that can survive long-term in brackish water.

While not a picky eater, the Javanese Ricefish will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of mostly omnivorous foods.  High-quality flake food, pellets, and live, frozen, or freeze-dried Artemia, microworms, Tubifex, and finely chopped bloodworms will all be readily accepted. However, the Indian Ricefish also requires some vegetable matter in its diet. It will not bother aquarium plants.