Mekong Ricefish

Oryzias mekongensis is native to slow-moving streams and floodplain habitats of the lower Mekong basin in Laos and Thailand. It is smaller and more slender than Japanese medaka and prefers slightly softer, cooler water. It is less commonly available than O. latipes varieties and is valued by ricefish enthusiasts for its wild-type character.

Water: 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; prefers cooler conditions than other ricefishes. Tank: 20 L minimum; planted with fine-leaved aquatic plants and floating cover. Feeding: Micro pellets, flake, Daphnia, frozen baby brine shrimp; small food particles only. Behaviour: Peaceful, gentle schooler; less active than O. latipes; calm mid-upper level swimmer. Compatibility: Excellent with other small medaka, nano shrimp, and dwarf aquatic invertebrates.