Daisy's Blue Ricefish (Oryzias woworae) – Bred by Aquatic Arts™

Species Overview The Daisy's Blue Ricefish (Oryzias woworae), also known as Daisy's Blue Ricefish, is a stunning little freshwater fish with shimmering blue coloration and vibrant red-orange accents. Mature males display brilliant metallic blue bodies and colorful fins, while females typically feature softer golden tones. Their striking appearance makes them a beautiful centerpiece for planted nano aquariums. Native to Muna Island in southeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia, Daisy Ricefish are peaceful, active fish that thrive in groups. Their social interactions, colorful male displays, and preference for the upper and middle water column bring constant movement to the aquarium. Despite their small size, they have plenty of personality and are especially attractive against lush green aquatic plants. Our Daisy Ricefish are Bred by Aquatic Arts™, raised through our own captive breeding program rather than collected from the wild. Their beautiful coloration, manageable size, and peaceful temperament make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for something distinctive in a planted aquarium. What We Love About This Fish Brilliant Blue and Red Coloration: Shimmering blue bodies and vibrant red-orange accents make mature males especially eye-catching. A Beautiful Nano Centerpiece: Small enough for thoughtfully designed nano aquariums while offering the visual appeal of much larger ornamental fish. Peaceful, Active Personalities: Social fish that display fascinating interactions and colorful courtship behavior when maintained in groups. Bred by Aquatic Arts™: Raised through our own captive breeding program rather than collected from the wild. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Oryzias woworae Common Name: Daisy Ricefish, Daisy's Blue Ricefish Source: Bred by Aquatic Arts™ Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Hardy once established, but best suited to aquarists who can maintain stable water conditions and provide appropriately sized foods. Temperament: Peaceful and Social – Active, group-oriented fish with occasional harmless displays between males. Diet: Omnivore – Accepts high-quality micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods. Maximum Adult Size: Approximately 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm) Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons – A planted aquarium with adequate horizontal swimming space is recommended for a small group. Swimming Zone: Middle to Upper Water Column – Frequently explores open swimming areas and the upper levels of the aquarium. Schooling Requirement: Groups of 6 or More – Larger groups encourage natural social behavior and help distribute attention between displaying males. Origin: Muna Island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia – A geographically restricted freshwater species native to the Muna Island region. Approximate Purchase Size: 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) – Individual sizes may vary depending on age and development. Aquatic Arts Tip Daisy Ricefish are especially attractive in planted aquariums with open swimming space and a darker background that highlights their metallic blue coloration. Maintaining a group with both males and females allows aquarists to observe their colorful displays and natural social interactions. Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements Daisy Ricefish (Oryzias woworae) thrive in clean, stable tropical freshwater with good oxygenation, gentle water movement, and plenty of aquatic vegetation. Unlike the cooler-water Japanese Medaka, Daisy Ricefish originate from tropical Sulawesi, Indonesia, and appreciate consistently warm conditions. A well-established planted aquarium provides the security and swimming space these small, active fish need. Water Parameters Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C). Warm, stable temperatures support normal activity, feeding, and reproduction. Avoid prolonged exposure to cooler conditions and sudden temperature changes. pH: 6.5–7.8. Slightly acidic to moderately alkaline water is generally suitable, with consistent pH being more important than achieving one exact value. General Hardness (GH): 5–15 dGH. Moderately mineralized freshwater provides suitable conditions for healthy growth and normal physiological function. Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2–10 dKH. Adequate buffering helps maintain stable pH and reduces the risk of sudden water chemistry fluctuations. Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Below 20 ppm preferred. Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A 10-gallon aquarium provides room for a small group of Daisy Ricefish, while larger and longer aquariums offer additional swimming space and greater water stability. Filtration: Low to Moderate. Reliable biological filtration maintains clean water without creating excessive turbulence that could interfere with the natural swimming behavior of these small fish. Water Flow: Gentle to Moderate. Daisy Ricefish appreciate relatively calm areas where they can swim, feed, and interact without constantly fighting strong currents. Oxygenation: Moderate to High. Good gas exchange and gentle surface movement help maintain dissolved oxygen levels, particularly in warmer tropical aquariums. Aquarium Maturity: Fully Cycled and Established. A mature biological filter helps prevent ammonia and nitrite fluctuations, which can be especially harmful in smaller aquariums. Aquatic Plants: Highly Recommended. Floating plants, mosses, and fine-leaved vegetation provide shelter, spawning surfaces, and protected areas for developing fry. Maintain open swimming areas so the fish can move freely. Lighting: Moderate. Balanced aquarium lighting helps highlight the metallic blue coloration and red-orange accents of mature Daisy Ricefish. Floating vegetation can provide shaded areas where fish feel secure. Aquarium Layout: Planted Margins With Open Swimming Space. Dense vegetation around the sides and back provides security, while open areas through the middle and upper water column allow natural group activity and courtship displays. Lid Requirement: Secure Cover Recommended. Daisy Ricefish can jump, particularly when startled, so aquarium openings should be properly covered. Aquatic Arts Tip Daisy Ricefish are particularly rewarding in a mature, planted aquarium with stable tropical temperatures and gentle water movement. A darker background, lush green plants, and open swimming areas help showcase the brilliant metallic blue coloration and red-orange fins of mature males. Keeping a group of at least six encourages natural social interactions while allowing less dominant fish to retreat into vegetation when needed.