Selebensis Medaka

Oryzias selebensis is a ricefish from Central Sulawesi whose males develop particularly attractive iridescent blue-green body scales combined with vivid orange-red fin tips. It represents one of the Sulawesi Oryzias radiation and requires the warm, hard, alkaline conditions typical of Sulawesian lake habitats.

O. selebensis is not as commonly available as O. woworae but shares similar care requirements. It is a schooling surface dweller that is constantly active and makes an excellent display fish when kept in a school of ten or more against a dark substrate. Good lighting enhances the metallic body iridescence.

Breeding follows the standard medaka pattern and is achievable in a dedicated species tank. Females carry fertilised egg clusters briefly before depositing them on fine vegetation or spawning mops. Fry are self-sufficient from hatching and readily accept micro foods.

Water: 25-30°C, pH 7.5-8.5, moderately hard (GH 8-18) — Sulawesi lake parameters required. Tank: 30 L school tank; fine-leaved plants or spawning mop; moderate to bright lighting. Feeding: micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and vinegar eels for conditioning. Breeding: egg scatterer; collect eggs from spawning mops and hatch separately. Compatibility: peaceful; ideal in Sulawesi species biotope or with other small, peaceful hard-water fish.