diff --git a/yt/utilities/lib/pyoctree_raytracing.py b/yt/utilities/lib/pyoctree_raytracing.py
index f5fd46056b8..b20d48dac9f 100644
--- a/yt/utilities/lib/pyoctree_raytracing.py
+++ b/yt/utilities/lib/pyoctree_raytracing.py
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ def set_fields(self, fields, log_fields, no_ghost, force=False):
             vertex_data = np.log10(vertex_data)
 
         # Vertex_data has shape (2, 2, 2, ...)
-        self.data = vertex_data.reshape(8, -1)
+        # Note: here we have the wrong ordering within the oct (classical Fortran/C 
+        # ordering issue) so we need to swap axis 0 and 2.
+        self.data = vertex_data.swapaxes(0, 2).reshape(8, -1)
 
     def cast_rays(self, vp_pos, vp_dir):
         """Cast the rays through the oct.