Fin's Fish Guide
The Indian medaka (Oryzias melastigma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Adrianichthyidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Indian medaka is a ricefish (Adrianichthyidae) from coastal, estuarine and fresh water of South and Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent body with large, high-set eyes and an upturned mouth. As a surface-oriented fish it stays in small groups and snaps at mosquito larvae, small plankton and insects. It tolerates widely varying salinity. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indian medaka?
The Indian medaka has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Indian medaka live?
The Indian medaka lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Andaman Is.
How big does the Indian medaka get?
The Indian medaka grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Indian medaka dangerous to humans?
No, the Indian 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.
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 Indian medaka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indian medaka is one of 12,519 species in the app.