Oryzias mekongensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oryzias mekongensis |
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The Mekong ricefish (scientific name: Oryzias mekongensis) is a small fish that belongs to the family Adrianichthyidae. You can only find this fish in the Mekong River Basin, which is a large river system in southeast Asia. It loves to live in places like ditches, canals, and ponds.
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About the Mekong Ricefish
The Mekong ricefish lives in fresh water. It prefers warm, tropical environments. This fish does not travel far from its home. It stays in one area.
Size and Appearance
The Mekong ricefish is quite small. It grows to about 3 centimeters (or 1.18 inches) long. That's about the length of your thumb! The edges of its tail fin are bright orange. This makes it easy to spot.
Where They Live
These fish like shallow water. They are often found in still water. This includes ditches, canals, and ponds. They especially like places with lots of underwater plants. These plants have leaves that are split into many parts.
What They Eat
Mekong ricefish are tiny eaters. They mostly feed on plankton. Plankton are very small plants and animals that float in the water.
How They Are Caught
People usually catch these fish with special fine nets. Sometimes, they get caught when bigger nets pull out many plants. The fish get trapped in the plants.
Threats to Their Home
The biggest danger to the Mekong ricefish is losing its home. This happens when cities grow bigger. It also happens when land is used for farming. These changes can harm the places where the fish live.
Where to Find Them
The Mekong ricefish lives in the Mekong River system. This large river flows through several countries.
Countries Where They Live
You can find the Mekong ricefish in these areas:
