PAIR Oryzias melastigma, image by Paul Barrow

Oryzias melastigma    (McClelland, 1839)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus melastigmus, Haplochilus melastigma, Panchax argenteus, Panchax cyanopthalma, Panchax melastigma
Common Name: Java Medaka
Other Common Name: Spotted Ricefish
Family: Adrianichthyidae
Continent: Asia
Distribution: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka
Habitat: fresh/brackish water estuaries & lagoons
Food: small live foods and sinking commercial foods
Water Temperature: 21-26°C
Water Chemistry: pH 6.5-8.0
FBAS Size:    Males [40mm]    Females [40mm]
FBAS Class: Mb
Temperament: inoffensive; good community fish
Aquarium Size: 30cm or longer
Gender Differences: males have feathery extensions to their anal fin; females: have a plain edge to their anal fin and can sometimes be seen with clutches of eggs hanging in front of the anal fin.
Breeding: requires some preparation; egglayer
Additional Information: These are beautiful little fish which show a bright blue eye when properly housed. They are a brackish water fish which also thrives in freshwater. A little salt in the water, one teaspoon per gallon, increases the chances of spawning. They require a well planted tank or lots of bogwood in which to hide. Bunches of eggs hang from the female, before being deposited on plants or spawning mops. The young require infusoria or microworm until they are big enough for brine shrimp.

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