Doping-doping Medaka

Oryzias dopingdopingensis is a recently described ricefish from Lake Lontoa on Sulawesi, known colloquially from its unusual discovery locality. Males exhibit golden-orange body highlights and iridescent scale rows, distinguishing them from related Sulawesian species. As with other members of the ancient lake Oryzias clade, it requires warm, hard, alkaline water.

This species remains very rare in the aquarium hobby and is primarily maintained by specialist Oryzias breeders and Sulawesi aquatic life enthusiasts. Its natural habitat is under pressure from pollution and invasive species, making captive breeding efforts important for conservation awareness.

Care closely mirrors O. celebensis. The species is peaceful and best kept in a species tank or alongside other Sulawesi endemics. Females carry fertilised egg clusters on their bodies briefly before depositing them on fine vegetation.

Water: 25-30°C, pH 7.5-8.5, hard (GH 12-20) — alkaline hard water matching Sulawesi lake conditions. Tank: 30 L species tank with light planting and some open swimming space. Feeding: micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia — undemanding feeder. Breeding: females carry egg clusters briefly before depositing on fine plants or mops. Compatibility: peaceful; best in species or Sulawesi biotope setups.