Among the many small freshwater fishes suited to the aquarium, Oryzias woworae — better known as Daisy’s Ricefish — has quickly become a favorite thanks to its shimmering colors and lively behavior. First found in 2007 and first described in 2010 from Sulawesi, Indonesia, this species has since captured the attention of aquarists worldwide for its beauty and relatively undemanding care.
Daisy’s Ricefish is native to small freshwater streams and pools in Southeast Sulawesi. These waters are clear, shallow, and often slow-moving, with plenty of vegetation along the margins. In nature, the fish feed on tiny insects, larvae, and other microfauna drifting near the surface. Their schooling behavior, iridescent sheen, and splashes of blue and red make them stand out both in the wild and in aquaria.
Though modest in size — rarely exceeding 1.5 inches — O. woworae is strikingly colorful. Males show vivid blue bodies with bright red fin markings, while females are more subdued but still carry a gentle sheen. Both sexes are active swimmers that prefer the upper and middle levels of the aquarium, darting in and out of plants with constant energy. Kept in groups, their shoaling movements provide continuous activity and color.
Caring for Oryzias woworae is straightforward, provided their natural environment is respected. A planted tank of at least 15–20 gallons is recommended for a healthy school of 8–12 fish. Water should be clean and stable, with a temperature between 72–80°F, a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and moderate hardness. Like many small fish, they are sensitive to poor water quality, so frequent water changes and gentle filtration are important. Floating plants, fine-leaved stems, or spawning mops provide both cover and comfort.
In the aquarium, Daisy’s Ricefish readily accept a variety of foods. A good diet includes high-quality micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes, and frequent offerings of live or frozen fare such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and baby brine shrimp. Their small mouths require correspondingly small foods, but once accommodated, they feed enthusiastically.
One of the most rewarding aspects of keeping O. woworae is how readily they breed under aquarium conditions. These are egg-scatterers with a unique twist: females temporarily carry the adhesive eggs beneath their bellies before depositing them on plants or fine substrates. Breeding can occur almost daily when fish are healthy and well-fed. Males will display by flaring fins and intensifying their colors, while females swim with small clusters of eggs attached to their vent area before brushing them off on plant leaves or spawning mops. Eggs typically hatch within 7–14 days depending on temperature.
If fry are to be raised, it is best to remove eggs or spawning mops to a separate container, as adults may consume them. Newly hatched fry are tiny and require infusoria or powdered fry food at first, but they quickly graduate to freshly hatched brine shrimp. This is how I bred the ones I submitted for BAP back in June.
In addition to indoor setups, Daisy’s Ricefish are also easily bred outdoors in tubs or small ponds during the warmer months. Natural sunlight, insect life, and dense plant growth often lead to prolific spawning and strong fry survival with minimal intervention. I moved my spawning colony to an outdoor tub this summer and as expected, harvested a large amount of offspring this September.
With their vibrant appearance, lively schooling behavior, and ease of breeding, Daisy’s Ricefish offer aquarists a species that is both visually stunning and rewarding to maintain. They are a fine choice for a planted community tank or a species-only setup, and for those interested in breeding, they provide fascinating behavior and high success rates. For aquarists seeking a small but captivating fish, Oryzias woworae is an excellent ambassador for the underrated ricefish group.
As always, submit any questions, comments or requests to: PicKFishPets@gmail.com
