What size tank do Japanese ricefish need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Oryzias latipes.
How many Japanese ricefish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Japanese ricefish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many Japanese ricefish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 7 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 14 |
| 29 gallon | up to 20 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 28 |
| 55 gallon | up to 39 |
| 75 gallon | up to 53 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check Japanese ricefish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Does best unheated.
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, Japanese ricefish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
- It prefers cool water. Do not mix it with tropical fish that need a heater.
Tank mates for Japanese ricefish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Platy
- Panda corydoras
- Neon tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Rosy red minnow
- Pygmy corydoras
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Japanese ricefish likes 61–75 °F (16–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as Japanese ricefish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do Japanese ricefish need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Japanese ricefish should be kept together?
At least 6. Japanese ricefish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can Japanese ricefish live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 7 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do Japanese ricefish need?
61–75 °F (16–24 °C), with a pH of 7–8. In a normal room that usually means no heater.
Can Japanese ricefish live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Japanese ricefish likes 61–75 °F (16–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.