Black Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes)

Sleek, elegant, and strikingly dark — the Black Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes) is a classic and beloved variety of Japanese ricefish, prized for its deep black to dark charcoal body that creates a dramatic contrast in planted aquariums. Hardy, peaceful, and easy to breed, Black Medaka are a wonderful choice for nano tanks, outdoor tubs, and community setups alike.

Overview

Appearance

The Black Medaka displays a uniform deep black to dark charcoal body with a subtle iridescent sheen under good lighting. Their small, rounded fins and streamlined form give them a refined, minimalist elegance. Against a light substrate or bright green plants, their dark colouration creates a stunning visual contrast that makes them stand out in any aquascape.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 64 – 82°F (18 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• General Hardness (GH): 6 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a group
• Lighting: Moderate; their dark colouration shows beautifully against bright plants
• Substrate: Light or natural sand creates a striking contrast with their black bodies
• Plants & Decor: Floating plants, Java moss, and fine-leaved stem plants for a natural feel and spawning sites

Diet & Feeding

Black Medaka are surface feeders and easy to feed:

• Staple: High-quality medaka or nano fish flakes
• Treats: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and mosquito larvae

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful and adaptable. Great tank mates include:

• Other medaka varieties
• Small nano fish (Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras)
• Neocaridina dwarf shrimp
• Small snails (Nerite, Ramshorn)

Avoid housing with larger or aggressive fish.

Breeding

Black Medaka breed readily in a stable aquarium. Females carry egg clusters attached to their belly before depositing them on fine-leaved plants or moss. Eggs hatch in 10–14 days. Fry are tiny — feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, then graduate to baby brine shrimp.

The Black Medaka Ricefish is a timeless classic — simple, elegant, and endlessly charming. Whether you're new to ricefish or a seasoned enthusiast, Black Medaka are a rewarding and beautiful fish to keep.