Cardinal Lampeye Rice Fish
Cardinal Lampeye Rice Fish
Cardinal Lampeye Rice Fish (Oryzias woworae) is the most spectacularly colored member of the Oryzias genus — and one of the most beautiful nano fish available. Males are extraordinary: a vivid red to cardinal-red body with electric blue fin markings and the characteristic reflective blue-silver eye of the lampeye group. Named for Dutch ichthyologist Wowo Woworatu, this species was only described in 2011 and quickly became a sensation in the nano fish hobby.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples — the small particle size suits medaka's small upturned mouth. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Medaka are surface-oriented feeders — floating or slow-sinking foods work best. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to a very restricted range — the Dabus River system on Muna Island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. This is an extremely limited natural range that makes this species particularly vulnerable to habitat loss. All aquarium stock is captive-bred. Unlike the cold-tolerant Japanese Medaka, O. woworae requires warmer, tropical conditions.
Keep in groups of at least eight — Cardinal Lampeye display their extraordinary coloration most vividly in groups where males are competing. In a well-planted nano aquarium with dark substrate, males display to each other continuously, showing off the full intensity of their red-and-blue coloration. Compatible with other very small, peaceful nano species.
Medaka are egg-scatterers that breed readily with minimal encouragement. Females carry fertilized eggs attached to their belly for a short period before depositing them on plants or a spawning mop. Eggs hatch in 7–14 days depending on temperature. Fry are tiny but immediately free-swimming and can take crushed fine food from day one. In a planted outdoor tub, multiple generations can coexist through the season.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nano community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Dabus River system, Muna Island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia |
| Notes | Described 2011 — recently discovered. Very restricted natural range — Muna Island endemic. All stock captive-bred. Most colorful Oryzias. Named for ichthyologist Wowo Woworatu. |
