Fountain Blue Ricefish - Oryzias woworae

Fountain Blue Ricefish (Oryzias woworae)

The Fountain Blue Ricefish is a beautiful small freshwater fish admired for its shimmering blue body colour, red-orange fin highlights and peaceful group behaviour. Also known as Daisy’s Ricefish or Daisy’s Blue Ricefish, this species is ideal for mature planted aquariums, nano-style displays and peaceful community setups. It is active, colourful and best kept in groups, where its natural behaviour and colour are shown at their best.

Common Name:
Fountain Blue Ricefish, Daisy’s Ricefish, Daisy’s Blue Ricefish, Neon Blue Ricefish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Oryzias woworae

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2.5–3 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Fountain Blue Ricefish originates from Muna Island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.

In the wild, it is associated with small freshwater stream habitats with clear water, plant cover, marginal vegetation and calm to gently flowing areas.

In the aquarium, it does best in a mature planted setup with open swimming space, fine-leaved plants, floating cover and stable water quality.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.8
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful

Fountain Blue Ricefish are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept with calm tankmates that will not bully or outcompete them.

They are best kept in groups, where males display better colour and the fish show more natural mid-to-upper level swimming behaviour.

Diet:
Omnivore / Micro-predator

The Fountain Blue Ricefish naturally feeds on tiny invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton and fine food particles.

Offer high-quality micro pellets, finely crushed tropical flakes and small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm.

Because of their small mouths, all foods should be suitably fine.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 45–60 litres for a small group

A mature planted aquarium with stable water quality is strongly recommended.

Larger aquariums are preferred for bigger groups or mixed peaceful communities, as they provide more swimming space, better stability and a stronger display.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Fountain Blue Ricefish spends much of its time swimming in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium.

Males may display to females and rival males, showing stronger blue colouration and red-orange fin tones when settled.

A group will often move through open water together before retreating among plants or floating cover when startled.

Community Suitability:
Peaceful Community Fish

The Fountain Blue Ricefish is ideal for peaceful planted aquariums and nano community setups.

Suitable tankmates include small rasboras, ember tetras, Green Neon Tetras, dwarf pencilfish, small corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful shrimp with caution and other calm nano fish.

Avoid large fish, aggressive species, fin-nippers, boisterous barbs, predatory fish and any tankmate large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep this species in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred where space allows.

A mature planted aquarium with stable water quality, gentle flow and areas of cover will help reduce stress and bring out stronger colour.

Avoid bright, bare aquariums, unstable new setups and aggressive tankmates.

Floating plants and darker planting can help the fish feel secure and show better colour.

They are egg-scattering ricefish and may breed in well-maintained aquariums. Females may carry eggs briefly before depositing them among fine plants or spawning mops.

If breeding is desired, provide fine-leaved plants or mops and protect eggs or fry from adult fish.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Common to occasional, depending on season and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.