Order : Beloniformes
Family : ADRIANICHTHYIDAE
Species : Oryzias javanicus
Maximum Length : 4.5 cm

The Javanese Ricefish typically inhabits brackish streams and ponds in coastal and mangrove zones, but is also known to venture upstream into fresh water. It is surface-dwelling, often forming large shoals.

Reaching just 4.5 cm in length this small, but attractive, species has a translucent body in which the internal organs are clearly visible. The skin is virtually colourless, apart from the cheeks which are purplish or pink. The tail fin is truncate (i.e. squarish), and a dark lateral line is generally visible.

The species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic detritus, as well as small invertebrates. The fertilised eggs are carried externally by the female, grouped in a cluster around the genital area.

The Javanese Ricefish occurs in Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and parts of Indonesia.

Figs 1 to 3 : Javanese Ricefish in a brackish stream at Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.