Black Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes) for Sale in Canada

The Black Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes) is a striking Japanese rice fish variety prized for its dark coloration, peaceful personality, active swimming behaviour, and manageable adult size. Also known simply as a Black Medaka, this beautiful fish is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an unusual addition to a planted aquarium, peaceful community tank, or dedicated Medaka setup.

These small fish are primarily active around the upper levels of the aquarium. When kept in a suitable group, they create constant movement while remaining generally peaceful with compatible tank mates. Their dark coloration can stand out beautifully against green plants, lighter substrates, driftwood, and natural aquarium décor.

Like other colour varieties of Oryzias latipes, Black Medaka can show variation in colour intensity depending on genetics, age, sex, diet, health, lighting, and environmental conditions.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers Black Medaka Rice Fish for aquarium hobbyists looking to buy unique freshwater fish in Canada.

Why Choose Black Medaka Rice Fish?

Beautiful Dark Japanese Medaka

Black Medaka are popular because of their distinctive combination of beauty and peaceful behaviour.

Key Features

• Deep dark to black coloration
• Peaceful temperament
• Active surface-swimming behaviour
• Beautiful Japanese Medaka variety
• Compact adult size
• Suitable for planted aquariums
• Interesting social behaviour
• Excellent for carefully planned community tanks

Individual appearance and colour intensity may vary.

How Large Do Black Medaka Rice Fish Grow?

Small but Active Freshwater Fish

Black Medaka generally grow to approximately 1.5 inches (3–4 cm) as adults.

Although they are small, they should not be treated as solitary display fish. Keeping them in a suitable group allows more natural behaviour and makes the aquarium more visually active.

Aquarium Size and Setup

Create a Stable Environment

A 10-gallon aquarium or larger can suit a small group, while a 20-gallon aquarium or larger provides more swimming room and increased water stability.

Recommended Setup

• Mature biological filtration
• Stable, clean water
• Gentle to moderate water movement
• Open swimming space near the surface
• Live plants
• Floating plants
• Moss or fine-leaved vegetation
• Natural décor
• A secure aquarium lid

Avoid excessive current that constantly pushes the fish around the aquarium.

Water Parameters

Basic Care Requirements

• Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes
• Common Name: Black Medaka Rice Fish
• Also Known As: Black Medaka, Japanese Rice Fish
• Adult Size: Approximately 1.5 inches (3–4 cm)
• Temperature: Approximately 18–26°C (64–79°F)
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Swimming Level: Upper levels
• Lifespan: Approximately 2–4 years with proper care

Stable water conditions are more important than constantly trying to make small adjustments to chase an exact number.

What Do Black Medaka Rice Fish Eat?

A Varied Omnivorous Diet

Black Medaka benefit from a varied diet containing appropriately sized prepared and live or frozen foods.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality micro pellets
• Fine flakes
• Small granules
• Baby brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Microworms
• Small frozen foods
• Other appropriately sized live foods

Feed small amounts regularly while avoiding overfeeding and excess waste.

Behaviour and Temperament

Peaceful and Social

Black Medaka are generally peaceful, active fish that are best appreciated in groups. A group of six or more can encourage natural social behaviour, provided the aquarium has adequate space and filtration.

They spend much of their time swimming near the surface and are usually a good choice for peaceful aquariums with compatible species.

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose Peaceful Species

Potential compatible tank mates may include:

• Small peaceful tetras
• Small rasboras
• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Peaceful Corydoras
• Other similarly sized peaceful fish

Freshwater shrimp can sometimes be kept with them in an appropriate aquarium, although very small shrimplets may be vulnerable.

Fish to Avoid

Avoid keeping Black Medaka with:

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Large aggressive species
• Fin-nipping fish
• Fish that require substantially warmer conditions
• Any species capable of eating them

Always plan compatibility around the adult size and behaviour of every species.

Black Medaka in a Planted Aquarium

A Beautiful Choice for Natural Aquascapes

Black Medaka can look especially impressive in a planted aquarium where their dark colour contrasts with bright green vegetation.

Consider Adding

• Fine-leaved plants
• Floating plants
• Aquarium moss
• Driftwood
• Open swimming areas
• Sheltered areas
• Gentle filtration

A balance between planted cover and open water gives these active fish plenty of room to swim.

Breeding Black Medaka Rice Fish

Interesting Egg-Carrying Behaviour

Medaka are fascinating breeding fish. After spawning, females may temporarily carry eggs attached near the body before depositing them among plants, moss, or spawning mops.

Breeding Conditions

• Stable and clean water
• Healthy breeding adults
• Nutritious varied foods
• Fine-leaved plants
• Moss
• Spawning mops
• Gentle filtration

Adults may eat eggs or fry, so separating eggs or providing a dedicated breeding and fry-rearing setup may improve survival.

Why Buy Black Medaka Rice Fish from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Unique Freshwater Fish for Canadian Aquarists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, nano fish, aquarium plants, shrimp, crayfish, snails, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarium hobbyists.

Carefully Selected Aquarium Fish

Our fish are offered with attention to:

• Overall body condition
• Active swimming behaviour
• Alert appearance
• General health and condition
• Feeding response
• Natural coloration

Black Medaka Rice Fish are a beautiful choice for hobbyists searching for Japanese Medaka in Canada, whether for a planted aquarium, peaceful community tank, or dedicated rice fish collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big do Black Medaka Rice Fish get?

They generally grow to approximately 1.5 inches (3–4 cm).

2. Are Black Medaka good community fish?

Yes. They are generally peaceful and can work well in a carefully planned community aquarium with compatible species.

3. How many Black Medaka should be kept together?

A group of six or more is generally recommended when the aquarium provides adequate space and filtration.

4. What do Black Medaka eat?

They can eat micro pellets, fine flakes, small granules, baby brine shrimp, Daphnia, microworms, and other appropriately sized foods.

5. Are Black Medaka suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. They can do very well in a stable planted aquarium with gentle water movement and sufficient open space near the surface.