Rinkou Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A red-and-white medaka overlaid with scale-shaped body shine (rinko). Strong orange-red and broad, distinct shine are its hallmarks, and it won top prize at the Japan Medaka Show.
Amaterasu is the trade name of a white-and-orange-red body-shine medaka with scale-type shine (rinko); the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Medaka no Beans, 2021. It combines a strong orange-red kohaku pattern with broad, distinct shine following the shape of each scale, and won top prize at the 13th Spring Japan Medaka Show and a merit award at the 13th Autumn Show. The scale-by-scale shine over a kohaku pattern distinguishes it from ordinary kohaku medaka and from Komachi, which lack body shine; its shine also differs from the line of light along the back seen in miyuki types. Pattern and shine vary between individuals, so check the fish itself when buying.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Amaterasu Medaka grows to About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase).
Origin
Japan (ornamental cultivar)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
Temperature
5〜30℃
Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Ornamental medaka are cultivars of Oryzias latipes. Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+) and not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. Japan's wild medaka (Oryzias latipes and O. sakaizumii) are listed as Vulnerable on the Ministry of the Environment Red List and differ genetically by region. Releasing ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or rice paddies causes genetic pollution through hybridisation with wild fish, so never release them.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Wikipedia (Japanese): Medaka – conservation and genetic pollution
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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The scale shine and pattern are mostly enjoyed from above; sunny outdoor containers are said to bring out the red.
The pattern and scale shine do not always inherit together, so siblings vary; choose breeders strong in both.
Peaceful and fine with other medaka of similar size. To keep the variety's traits, do not let it breed with other varieties in the same container.
Give floating food that is eaten within 3-5 minutes: at least twice a day in summer, once a day in spring and autumn, and little or none outdoors in winter.
Never release ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or paddies; hybridisation causes genetic pollution of wild medaka.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
Amaterasu Medaka typically reaches About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Amaterasu Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Amaterasu Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
