Blue Eye Ricefish (Oryzias dancena)
The Blue Eye Ricefish is a peaceful and hardy freshwater fish admired for its brilliant electric blue eyes, translucent silver body, and graceful schooling behavior. Its striking blue eyes create a beautiful contrast against its subtle coloration, making it an eye-catching addition to planted aquariums and nano community tanks. Easy to care for and highly adaptable, the Blue Eye Ricefish is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Native to coastal streams, estuaries, mangroves, and freshwater habitats throughout India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, Oryzias dancena is an adaptable species capable of thriving in both freshwater and low-end brackish conditions. In the aquarium, they do best in planted setups with open swimming space, gentle water flow, and floating plants that provide a sense of security. They are highly social and should be kept in schools of at least six individuals, with larger groups displaying the most natural behavior.
Blue Eye Ricefish are omnivores that readily accept high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods. A varied diet promotes healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and successful breeding.
Their peaceful temperament makes them excellent companions for other small community fish such as rasboras, Ember Tetras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, peaceful livebearers, and freshwater shrimp. Their calm nature and active schooling behavior make them especially attractive in planted aquariums and nature-style aquascapes.
Scientific Name: Oryzias dancena
Common Name: Blue Eye Ricefish, Indian Ricefish
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: Up to 2 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Origin: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand & Malaysia
If you're looking for a hardy, peaceful, and elegant schooling fish, the Blue Eye Ricefish is an outstanding choice. Its brilliant blue eyes, active swimming behavior, and adaptability make it a beautiful addition to planted freshwater aquariums and peaceful community displays.
