Species profile
Celebes Medaka Ricefish
Oryzias celebensis
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3–4.5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Legacy 18–23°C values were too cool for the species-specific FishBase range of 22–30°C.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–30 °C
pH
8–9
GH
12–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
1.5
Peaceful small group fish; keep eight or more for natural social behaviour.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Oryzias celebensis
Native range
South-western Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, including the Maros River region.
Natural habitat
Warm alkaline freshwater. Provide gentle-to-moderate flow, dense fine-leaved/floating cover, open surface space and a tightly covered aquarium.
Diet & feeding
Small quality dry foods plus appropriately sized live/frozen foods such as Artemia, daphnia and mosquito larvae.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are usually more colourful with more elongate fin rays; females become fuller when carrying eggs.
Breeding
Non-annual ricefish; external eggs are carried briefly by the female before being attached to vegetation or other substrate.