Kouhaku Medaka appraisal

The characteristic is a pattern with two colors—crimson (red to orange-red) and white—distinctly separated. This is a variety where the clarity and contrast of the pattern, reminiscent of the red-and-white of koi, influence evaluation.

解説用イラスト: Kouhaku Medaka — AI-generated illustration for explanation. Not an actual listed individual.

What determines the price

Clarity of the red-and-white pattern
High
The clearer the boundary between crimson and white, the more striking the pattern. If the boundary is blurred, the evaluation decreases.
Depth of crimson coloration
High
The deeper the crimson (red to orange-red) coloration, the more the contrast with white stands out. Deep red is rated higher than pale orange.
Left-right balance of the pattern
Medium
The more balanced the pattern is between left and right on the body, the higher the ornamental value.
Strain Stability
Medium
The red-and-white pattern tends to break down across generations, and it is important to confirm whether the lineage is stable.

Appraisal points

Confirm the clarity of the red-and-white pattern

Good:: Clear boundary between crimson and white with distinct coloring recognizable as a pattern.
Caution:: If the boundary is blurred or the crimson is pale and difficult to distinguish from white, the pattern evaluation is low.

Confirm the depth of red coloration.

Good:: The red portions display deep, rich coloring with clear contrast against the white.
Caution:: When red coloring is pale or whitish, it may indicate an individual with weak color expression.

Confirm the balance of body form.

Good:: The body form is well-proportioned, with the pattern displayed as part of the overall body balance.
Caution:: If the body form is curved, it affects how the pattern appears.