Red and White Lame Ricefish - Oryzias latipes

Product Details

Red and White Lamé Ricefish – Oryzias latipes

The Red and White Lamé Ricefish, Oryzias latipes, is a colourful captive-bred form of the Japanese Ricefish, or Medaka, valued for its bright red-and-white patterning and sparkling metallic scale effect. Unlike many small aquarium fish, medaka are naturally suited to cooler conditions and can be kept in unheated indoor aquariums, planted nano displays, patio tubs or carefully managed outdoor tubs during suitable seasons. This variety is a superb choice for aquarists wanting a small, active, surface-orientated fish with strong ornamental appeal and relatively straightforward care.

Key Identification:
Common Name: Red and White Lamé Ricefish
Other Names: Red and White Lamé Medaka, Japanese Ricefish, Medaka, Glitter Medaka, Metallic Scale Ricefish
Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes
Fish Type: Ricefish / Medaka
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:
Oryzias latipes is native to East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China and parts of mainland Asia. Wild Japanese Ricefish are found in lowland ponds, marshes, rice paddies, ditches and slow-moving streams, and they may tolerate a broad range of water conditions. The Red and White Lamé Ricefish is a captive-bred ornamental strain, so its colour and metallic scale pattern have been developed through selective breeding rather than representing the wild form.

Appearance & Adult Size:
This medaka strain has a slim, streamlined body with an upturned mouth suited to surface feeding. The red and white colouration can vary between individuals, with some fish showing stronger red patches and others displaying more white or pale areas. The Lamé trait gives the fish reflective, glitter-like scales that catch the light, especially when viewed from above in a shallow tank or tub. Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm, with females often becoming fuller-bodied than males when mature. Males may show slightly more pronounced fin shape and display behaviour.

Aquarium Suitability:
Red and White Lamé Ricefish are well suited to planted aquariums, species displays, nano-style setups and temperate community tanks with peaceful tank mates. They are especially attractive in aquariums with floating plants, open surface areas and gentle water movement. They are not a warm-water tropical fish and should not be kept long term in very high temperatures. A secure lid is strongly recommended, as ricefish can jump.

Recommended Aquarium Size:
A practical minimum aquarium size is around 40 litres for a small group, with 60 litres or more preferred for a larger group and more stable water conditions. Outdoor tubs or patio containers can also work during suitable weather, provided temperature swings, predators and water quality are carefully managed.

Water Conditions:
Temperature: 16–24°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Soft to hard
Additional Notes: This is a temperate to subtropical fish that does well in stable, clean water with gentle flow. Avoid consistently hot tropical conditions. They can tolerate a range of water chemistry, but sudden changes should be avoided. Provide surface cover with floating plants while leaving open areas for feeding and swimming.

Temperament & Tank Mates:
Aquarium Category:
Community Fish

Red and White Lamé Ricefish are peaceful and best kept in groups of at least six, with larger groups showing more natural activity and confidence. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful temperate fish, small danios, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small peaceful livebearers in suitable water, shrimp in well-planted tanks, and calm bottom dwellers that do not need high tropical temperatures. Avoid large predators, aggressive fin-nippers, boisterous barbs, warm-water specialists and any fish large enough to eat them. They can be kept as a species group if breeding or colour purity is important.

Feeding:
Japanese Ricefish are small omnivores that feed readily from the surface and upper water levels. Offer fine quality flakes, micro pellets, crushed granules and small floating foods as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. For best colour and breeding condition, feed small amounts regularly rather than large meals that sink uneaten.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:
This is an active upper-level fish that spends much of its time near the surface, weaving through floating plants and picking at tiny food items. In groups, males may display to females and rival males without usually causing serious harm. Breeding is possible in mature aquariums; females often carry adhesive eggs around the vent area before depositing them among plants, spawning mops or fine roots. Adults may eat eggs and fry, so separate rearing is recommended if you want to raise young.

Care Notes:
Keep in groups and provide a secure lid. Avoid high tropical temperatures and aggressive tank mates. Use gentle filtration, good surface access and regular water changes. This variety is selectively bred, so colour and Lamé scale intensity can vary naturally between fish. For best display, use a dark substrate or viewing bowl/tub with good overhead lighting, but avoid harsh conditions or sudden temperature swings. Outdoor keeping should only be attempted where the setup is predator-safe, mature and monitored through seasonal changes.

Recommended For:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Occasional; captive-bred ornamental strain.

Image Disclaimer:
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.