Fin's Fish Guide
The Hong Kong medaka (Oryzias curvinotus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Adrianichthyidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Hong Kong medaka is a ricefish or medaka (Adrianichthyidae) from shallow, slow-flowing fresh water of southern China and adjacent East Asia. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent, silvery body with a flat head, an upturned mouth and large, high-set eyes. As a surface fish it swims in schools in rice paddies, ditches and pools and snaps at small zooplankton and mosquito larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hong Kong medaka?
The Hong Kong medaka has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Hong Kong medaka live?
The Hong Kong medaka lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: China, Hong Kong, Viet Nam
How big does the Hong Kong medaka get?
The Hong Kong medaka grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 2 cm.
Is the Hong Kong medaka dangerous to humans?
No, the Hong Kong medaka is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Hong Kong medaka edible?
Yes, the Hong Kong medaka is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oryzias
More from the family Adrianichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Hong Kong medaka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hong Kong medaka is one of 12,519 species in the app.