Daisys Blue Ricefish - Oryzias woworae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Daisy's Blue Ricefish (Oryzias woworae) is a peaceful and active schooling fish that is an ideal choice for nano or planted aquariums. However, due to their small size, they are not recommended for general community aquariums. It's best to keep them in schools of 6 or more individuals to see their best natural behaviour and colouration. In addition, when kept in large schools, they pay little attention to other species, making them an excellent choice for tankmates like Microdevario, Sundadanio, Trigonostigma, Pygmy Corydoras, small Catfish such as Otocinclus, and even Dwarf Shrimp.
If you intend to breed your Ricefish, it's best to maintain them alone. These hardy and adaptable fish require clean, well-maintained water to thrive, and they exhibit their best colours in well-planted aquariums with a dark substrate, especially where floating plants are present. When provided with plenty of coverage, they are a highly outgoing species.
Male Daisy's Blue Ricefish have a steel blue body bordered with bright red stripes on the ventral surface of the head and body, as well as on the pectoral fins, the caudal peduncle, and on the dorsal and ventral portions of the caudal fin. The females also have these reddish outlines, but they have a yellow body colour instead. It's a stunning sight to witness these fish swimming gracefully in their vibrant colours, adding a touch of elegance to any aquarium.
In summary, the Daisy's Blue Ricefish is a remarkable species that deserves attention from hobbyists seeking to create a nano or planted aquarium. With proper care and the right tankmates, these peaceful and active fish will showcase their natural beauty and charm, bringing joy to any aquarium enthusiast.
Daisys Blue Ricefish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Daisy's Blue Ricefish is a simple process. Mature males are slimmer, display far more vibrant colours, and possess longer anal and dorsal fins. In contrast, females are plumper and have a plainer body colour. These characteristics make it easy to differentiate between the sexes, allowing aquarists to monitor their populations and provide optimal care accordingly.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Oryzias woworae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2010 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Beloniformes |
| Family | Adrianichthyidae |
| Genus | Oryzias |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 4 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 9 - 19 |
| TDS | 90 - 268 |
| ℉ | 73 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Daisy's Blue Ricefish is an extraordinary fish that is currently known to exist in just one location - a stream called Mata air Fotuno in the Parigi district on the island of Muna in Southeast Sulawesi province, Indonesia.
In their natural habitat, these beautiful fish inhabit slow-moving freshwater streams, along with associated still ponds opposite springs under reasonably dense forest cover. The substrate in their habitat consists of sand and mud with small areas of leaf litter. It's fascinating to learn about the specific environmental conditions that Daisy's Blue Ricefish thrive in, providing aquarists with the knowledge they need to create optimal conditions for these delicate fish in their aquariums.
By understanding their natural habitat and providing similar conditions in our aquariums, we can ensure the happiness and well-being of these captivating fish. Their rarity and unique origins make them a fascinating addition to any aquarium enthusiast's collection.
Breeding
Breeding Daisy's Blue Ricefish is a relatively straightforward process, and these fish are known for being prolific. Females can produce between 10 to 20 eggs every few days, and they typically spawn in the early morning hours.
When male Ricefish are ready to breed, their body colour darkens, and they begin to defend small territories against other males while attempting to attract females. The adhesive eggs are discharged as a single mass and fertilized simultaneously by the male. The eggs remain on the genital pore of the female for a short period before being deposited amongst aquatic plants. Add a few clumps of fine-leaved aquarium plants, such as java moss, to the breeding tank to encourage breeding. Spawning mops can also be used for this purpose.
The eggs typically hatch within one to three weeks, depending on the water temperature. Adult fish tend to ignore the eggs but may consume the babies swimming around. Therefore, it's best to place the eggs in a separate aquarium to ensure the survival of the fry. When introducing juveniles of different ages together, caution needs to be taken, as larger fry can prey on smaller ones if there is a significant size difference.
Once the fry becomes free-swimming, feed them tiny live foods such as microworms and baby brine shrimp. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients and energy to grow and develop properly.
Breeding Daisy's Blue Ricefish can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for hobbyists. By providing the optimal breeding conditions and care for these fish, you can witness the natural beauty of their life cycle and enjoy their company in your aquarium for many years to come.
Diet & Feeding
Daisy's Blue Ricefish are a versatile species in the aquarium and can thrive on a diverse diet, which helps maintain their vibrant colouration. Providing high-quality dried foods such as flakes, granules, and pellets alongside small live, frozen or freeze-dried foods like microworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and finely chopped bloodworms is essential to ensure their optimal nutrition. Additionally, incorporating vegetable matter into their diet occasionally is recommended.
A varied diet will not only provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development but also stimulate their natural feeding behaviour, leading to a more fulfilling aquarium experience. With proper nutrition, Daisy's Blue Ricefish can live long, healthy lives in captivity, bringing joy and beauty to any aquarium they inhabit.
