Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Black Midnight Ricefish, also known as the Black Buntingi, is one of 17 recognized species of Oryzias ricefish endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Here, the Black midnight ricefish inhabits the sandy fresjwaters of Lake Poso. Ricefish are beloved for their relative hardiness, unique body shape, and quirky personalities. There are few discernable differences between male and female Black midnight ricefish. As their name suggests, Black midnight ricefish are overall black in color. The intensity of this black coloration can vary, however. Easy to spawn, the Black midnight ricefish available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Ricefish are natural shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of 8 or more individuals for their social behavior. More than one male can be kept in a group and is actually encourged in order to show their best coloration, but some sparring may be observed between them. It is not recommended to mix Black midnight ricefish with other Oryzias ricefish species, as hybridization can occur and will result in offspring of mixed genetic pools. An adult Black midnight ricefish can reach a size of approximately 1-1/4″.

Diet Requirements: Black midnight ricefish are omnivores and are not that fussy so long as food can fit into their smaller mouths. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Black midnight ricefish. While these fish are small, this size aquarium better provides a stable environment in terms of water chemistry that ricefish need. A tight fitting lid is recommended given that this species spends a lot of its time in the middle and top portions of the aquarium. Black midnight ricefish should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as Black midnight ricefish will not endure deteriorating water parameters. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate and live plants on the denser side. Black midnight ricefish are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for traditional community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Black midnight ricefish with other peaceful nano tank species such as Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), Neon Blue Danio (Sundadanio axelrodi), Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides), Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus), and dwarf rainbowfish. Use caution mixing ricefish with Neocaridina shrimps. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 9-19, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.