Description
Platinum Ricefish for Sale — Iridescent Metallic Shimmer in a Hardy Peaceful Nano Schooling Fish
The Platinum Ricefish (Oryzias latipes var. ‘Platinum’) — also known as Platinum Medaka or Platinum White Medaka — is a selectively bred variant of the Japanese Ricefish, one of the most ancient and scientifically significant freshwater fish in the world. Its iridescent platinum-white body shimmers with a metallic brilliance under aquarium lighting that makes a school of Platinum Ricefish one of the most visually striking displays available in the nano fish world — each fish catching and reflecting light from a different angle as the school moves through the water column in unison. Despite their extraordinary appearance, Platinum Ricefish are remarkably hardy and beginner-friendly — tolerating a wider range of temperature and water conditions than most tropical nano fish, easy to feed, easy to breed, and peaceful with virtually every appropriate tankmate. Platinum Ricefish for sale at Quinn’s Fins are sold individually at $12.99 and are best kept in groups of 6 or more for natural schooling behavior and the most impressive visual display.
Key Features of Platinum Ricefish for Sale
- Iridescent platinum-white metallic body — shimmers and reflects light beautifully under aquarium lighting; one of the most brilliantly colored nano fish available
- Maximum size 1.5 inches — the ideal nano fish for aquariums from 10 gallons upward
- Active middle to upper water column swimmers — constant graceful movement at the top of the tank
- Peaceful and community-compatible — compatible with small peaceful fish, shrimp, and snails
- Hardy and beginner-friendly — tolerates a wider temperature and water parameter range than most tropical nano fish
- Easy to breed — females carry egg clusters attached to their bodies; eggs easily visible; prolific spawners in planted tanks
- Shoaling fish — best kept in groups of 6 or more for natural behavior and the most impressive visual display
- Suitable for planted tanks, outdoor ponds, and paludariums in warm climates
Care Requirements — Platinum Ricefish
Tank Setup and Lid
Platinum Ricefish are active surface and upper water column swimmers that spend much of their time near the top of the aquarium. A tight-fitting aquarium lid is essential — Platinum Ricefish are capable jumpers and will escape from open-top aquariums. Aquascape with fine substrate and live plants on the denser side — floating plants are particularly beneficial, providing natural surface cover that makes the fish feel secure and reduces jumping behavior. Leave open swimming areas in the upper water column for the school to move through freely.
Group Size — Minimum 6
Platinum Ricefish are natural shoaling fish and must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals for natural social behavior, stress reduction, and the most impressive visual display. Groups of 8 or more are recommended for the most confident, active, and visually stunning schooling behavior. More than one male can and should be kept in a group — multiple males display their best coloration in competition with each other, though some mild sparring may be observed. Do not keep fewer than 6 — isolated or small-group fish become stressed and lose color.
Do Not Mix With Other Oryzias Species
Do not house Platinum Ricefish with other Oryzias or Medaka species. Different Oryzias species hybridize readily and produce offspring of mixed genetic pools — this compromises the platinum coloration of future generations. Keep Platinum Ricefish in a species-only Medaka setup or community tank with non-Oryzias companions.
Water Quality — Weekly Water Changes Essential
Platinum Ricefish are hardy in stable, clean water but do not tolerate deteriorating water parameters. Weekly water changes of 25–30% are essential to keep nitrates below 15 ppm. Do not introduce Platinum Ricefish into a biologically immature aquarium — the tank must be fully cycled before adding fish. Regular water quality monitoring is the single most important ongoing care practice.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 65–78°F (18–26°C) — notably tolerates cooler temperatures than most tropical fish; suitable for unheated aquariums in warm indoor environments
- pH: 7.0–8.0 — neutral to slightly alkaline
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH — soft to moderately hard
- Nitrates: Must remain below 15 ppm — weekly water changes essential
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a small group of 6
- Lid: Tight-fitting — essential; active surface swimmers and capable jumpers
Diet
Platinum Ricefish are omnivores that accept a wide variety of foods readily — one of their most practical beginner-friendly characteristics. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro-pellets or nano flakes as a staple, supplemented regularly with small live or frozen foods including baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. Live and frozen foods enhance coloration and condition fish for breeding. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily — remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.
Breeding
Platinum Ricefish are among the easiest freshwater fish to breed in captivity. Females carry fertilized egg clusters attached to their bellies — these egg bunches are visible hanging below the female’s body and can be seen clearly with close observation. Females carry the eggs for a day or two before depositing them on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 7–14 days depending on water temperature. To improve fry survival, provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops and remove eggs to a separate rearing container. Fry are tiny at hatching — feed infusoria or powdered fry food for the first week before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.
Tankmates
Platinum Ricefish are extremely peaceful and compatible with a wide range of small, non-aggressive community fish and invertebrates. Ideal tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, small livebearers, dwarf shrimp of all species, and snails. Avoid aggressive species, fin-nippers, and any fish large enough to view Ricefish as prey. Do not house with other Oryzias species due to hybridization risk.
Quinn’s Fins Live Arrival Guarantee
Every Platinum Ricefish for sale at Quinn’s Fins ships with our Live Arrival Guarantee. If your fish arrive dead or severely compromised, contact us within 2 hours of confirmed delivery with a clear photo. We will issue a replacement or store credit at our discretion.
Platinum Ricefish Quick Reference
| Scientific Name | Oryzias latipes var. ‘Platinum’ |
| Common Names | Platinum Ricefish, Platinum Medaka, Platinum White Medaka, Japanese Ricefish |
| Family | Adrianichthyidae |
| Origin | Japan, East Asia — selectively bred variant |
| Adult Size | 1.5 inches (4 cm) |
| Coloration | Iridescent metallic platinum-white — shimmers under lighting |
| Temperament | Peaceful — excellent community fish |
| Water Column | Middle to upper — surface-oriented swimmer |
| Temperature | 65–78°F (18–26°C) |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons for group of 6 |
| Minimum Group Size | 6 — groups of 8+ recommended |
| Diet | Omnivore — nano flakes, micro-pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia |
| Breeding | Very easy — females carry visible egg clusters |
| Tankmates | Small peaceful community fish, shrimp, snails — no other Oryzias |
| Lid Required | Yes — tight-fitting essential |
| Difficulty | Easy — beginner-friendly |
| SKU | 2068 |
| Price | $12.99 |
