At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small slender scaled fish
A tiny ricefish with a straight-edged tail. Males are slimmer, longer-finned and brighter than females.12
Personality what they are like
A gentle, non-aggressive little fish that does best with equally small, calm tankmates.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Lively in a group; males display to one another and to females.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Home where they are happiest
Minimum 45 x 30 cm footprint (about 41 litres). A planted tank with a soft sand or mud bottom and some leaf litter echoes its shaded forest stream.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Not fussy, but food must be small: crushed dried foods, microworms and baby brine shrimp, plus algae it grazes.1
Company who they like around
Keep in groups of about 8 or more.1
The story where it all began
Scientists Parenti and Hadiaty described the species in 2010. It reached the aquarium trade soon after and drew a lot of attention for its colour.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is named after Daisy Wowor, an Indonesian crustacean specialist who helped collect the first specimens.1
- 2
Females carry their small batches of sticky eggs with them for a while after spawning.1
- 3
Sulawesi and its nearby islands are home to many endemic ricefish species.1
- 4
The genus name Oryzias refers to rice paddies, where some relatives live.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Endangered (assessed 2019) due to its very small natural range.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Daisy's Ricefish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Daisy's Ricefish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Daisy's Ricefish eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat crushed dried foods, microworms, baby brine shrimp, and algae. Never feed large or hard foods that could choke them, and avoid any human food or treats not meant for fish.1
How much space does a Daisy's Ricefish need?
A minimum tank footprint of 45 x 30 cm (about 41 litres) is needed. A planted tank with soft sand or mud bottom and leaf litter is ideal.1
What temperature, light or water does a Daisy's Ricefish need?
Keep water temperature between 23-27°C, pH around 6.0-7.5, and hardness 5-15 dGH. Gentle lighting and a shaded forest stream setup work well.12
How often should I clean a Daisy's Ricefish's home?
Change about 25% of the water weekly, and clean the glass weekly. Rinse the filter in old tank water (never tap water) once a month. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Daisy's Ricefish live with others?
Yes, they are gentle and non-aggressive. Keep them in groups of 8 or more with equally small, calm tankmates.1
How long does a Daisy's Ricefish live?
Lifespan varies by care and environment. For specific expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Daisy's Ricefish?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage their delicate scales. Observe them in the tank instead.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Oryzias woworae seriouslyfish.comused for size, care, behaviour, diet, history, fun facts
- FishBase: Oryzias woworae fishbase.seused for size, range, pH, colours, IUCN
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.