Red Cap Tancho Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes)

Red Cap Tancho Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes)

This is a selectively bred color morph of the classic Japanese ricefish, one of the most underrated nano fish you can sell.

Size & lifespan

• Size: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6") 
• Lifespan: 2–5 years depending on care 

Behavior

• Peaceful schooling fish
• Best kept in groups of 6+
• Very active, top/mid swimmer
• Will recognize feeding time (very “interactive”) 

Care (easy)

Water parameters

• Temp: 18–28°C (64–82°F) 
• pH: 6.5–8.0 
• Can tolerate:
  • Cool water
  • Slight brackish conditions
  •  One of the hardiest fish in the hobby

Tank setup

• 10 gallons+ for a group 
• Low flow (they prefer calm water)
• Plants + floating cover highly recommended
• Lid required (they jump)

Diet

Omnivore:

• Flake / micro pellets (base)
• Frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia)
• Small live foods

 Color pops much better with protein + carotenoids

Compatibility

Good tank mates

• Small peaceful fish:
  • Rasboras
  • White cloud minnows
  • Small tetras
• Shrimp (generally safe with adults)

 Avoid

• Aggressive fish
• Fin nippers
• Large predators (they’re tiny)

 They are community safe but fragile due to size

 Breeding 

• Extremely easy

• Egg layer:

  • Female carries eggs briefly
  • Deposits on plants/mops 

• Eggs hatch in ~1–2 weeks

• Fry are microscopic but hardy

 No special setup needed
 Breeds constantly in good conditions