Indian Ricefish (Oryzias dancena)
| Indian Ricefish Oryzias dancena | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Indian Ricefish |
| Name Lat. | Oryzias dancena |
| Family | Ricefishes |
| Family lat. | Adrianichthyidae |
| Order | Needle Fishes |
| Order lat. | Beloniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Streams, swamps, estuaries |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 5-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 89-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Indian rice carps extends from Sri Lanka and southeastern India through Bangladesh and Myanmar to Thailand. They live in very diverse habitats, such as estuaries and mangrove swamps with brackish water, forest streams, ponds, rice fields and floodplains with muddy-sandy soils and fallen leaves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and shaded light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for nano fish (flakes, granules, micro-pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, etc. (live or frozen). Not too fine seawater plankton (frozen or preserved) and seawater copepods (live) are also readily accepted. It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These small and swimming fish are completely peaceful and should be kept in a group of at least 8-10 animals. They are well suited for any nano aquarium and can be socialized with other small and peaceful fish as well as shrimp (Caridina, Neocaridina) without any problems. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The slimmer males have elongated, filiform rays on the dorsal and anal fins and the blue band is more heavily colored than in females
Reproduction and breeding
Mating usually takes place in the morning hours after an intense courtship, during which the male entwines the female. The eggs, 10-20 pieces, stick to the abdomen of the female (spawning cluster) and are stripped over water plants only after some time. This process may repeat for several days. After 1-3 weeks the fry hatch, which grow very slowly
During the first weeks the fry must be fed several times a day with infusoria or a commercial liquid rearing food for egg-laying fish. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey
Important
They show their most beautiful coloration by feeding on live food.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) when rotting promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF