Clouded ricefish

Oryzias nebulosus

A Lake Poso ricefish with darkening males and rock-associated spawning.

A natural ricefish from Lake Poso, Sulawesi. Males can become very dark during territorial disputes and courtship; stimulated females may darken too.

Adult length: Up to 3.3 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 25–30 °C

Natural habitat: Inhabits clear lake-margin waters and tributary mouths over sand, pebbles and fallen branches.

Avoid sudden water-quality changes.

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Appearance and identification

Dark males can be confused with O. nigrimas from the same lake, but O. nebulosus is an unusual rock-spawning ricefish.

Same-species behaviour

Males darken during territorial or courtship behaviour; make sure others can retreat.

Space requirements

A 45 L tank with a 0.16 m² base. Consider territorial males and retreat opportunities, not volume alone.

Diet and feeding

Offer ingestible particles and small live foods.

Compatibility limits

Territorial behaviour needs thought; keep traceable stock and stable water. Do not assume it can live with O. nigrimas.

Aquarium environment

It spawns on rock, so do not copy a plant-only or spawning-mop plan. Plants may provide cover, while rock surfaces and territories need separate consideration.

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