Product Details

Red and White Lamé Ricefish – Oryzias latipes

The Red and White Lamé Ricefish is a colourful captive-bred form of the Japanese Ricefish, or Medaka, valued for its red-and-white patterning and sparkling metallic scale effect. Also sold as Red and White Lamé Medaka, Glitter Medaka or Metallic Scale Ricefish, this small, hardy species is ideal for planted aquariums, temperate nano displays and carefully managed indoor or outdoor tubs. It is peaceful, active near the surface and especially attractive when viewed from above under good lighting.

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 ponds, marshes, rice paddies, ditches and slow-moving lowland streams, where they live among plants and shallow marginal vegetation.

The Red and White Lamé Ricefish is a captive-bred ornamental strain. Its red-and-white colour and glitter-like reflective scaling have been developed through selective breeding, but its care should still be based on the hardy, temperate nature of the wild medaka.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Red and White Lamé Ricefish have a slim, streamlined body with an upturned mouth suited to feeding at the surface. Colour varies between individuals, with some fish showing stronger red patches, others showing more white, cream or pale body colour.

The Lamé trait gives the fish reflective, metallic-looking scales that sparkle under aquarium or overhead lighting. Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm. Females are often fuller-bodied, while males may appear slimmer and show more active display behaviour.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to planted aquariums, temperate community tanks, species displays, nano aquariums and patio tubs during suitable seasons. It is particularly effective in shallow aquariums or tubs where the metallic scaling can be seen from above.

Red and White Lamé Ricefish are not true warm-water tropical fish. They do best in cooler, stable conditions and should not be kept long term at high tropical temperatures. A secure lid or covered tub is recommended, as ricefish can jump.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 40 litres for a small group, with 60 litres or more preferred for better stability and a larger group.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred where space allows. Larger groups show better confidence, more natural social behaviour and stronger display activity.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 16–24°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Soft to hard
Additional Notes: Red and White Lamé Ricefish tolerate a broad range of water chemistry, but stability is important. They prefer clean water, gentle flow, planted cover and open surface access. Avoid consistently high tropical temperatures and sudden swings in water quality.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Red and White Lamé Ricefish are peaceful, social fish that do best in groups. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful temperate fish, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small danios, peaceful small livebearers in suitable water, shrimp in planted aquariums 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. If breeding or keeping the strain pure is important, they are best kept as a species group rather than mixed with other medaka colour forms.

Feeding:

Japanese Ricefish are small omnivores that feed mainly 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. Feed small amounts that are eaten quickly, as excess food can sink uneaten and affect water quality.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Red and White Lamé Ricefish are active upper-level fish that spend much of their time near the surface, weaving through floating plants and picking at tiny food items. Males may display to females and rival males, especially in good light and settled conditions.

Breeding is possible in mature aquariums and tubs. Females often carry adhesive eggs near the vent before depositing them among fine plants, floating roots or spawning mops. 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 very warm tropical conditions, aggressive tank mates and unstable water quality. Gentle filtration, floating plants and regular water changes are recommended.

This is a selectively bred ornamental strain, so red coverage, white markings and Lamé scale intensity can vary naturally between individuals. Outdoor keeping should only be attempted in suitable seasons and in predator-safe, mature containers with monitored water quality.

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, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.