Hakuhime Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
An orange-red transparent-scaled hikari medaka selected for coloured fins, with a beautifully orange-red tail. Created by Yukio Ohba in 2009.
Atsuhime is the nickname of the orange-red transparent-scaled hikari medaka, also called Youkihi transparent-scale hikari; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Yukio Ohba, 2009. F1 from a 2006 cross of a Youkihi small-eye male and a transparent-scaled daruma female were shared with several breeders; one line was announced as 'Beni', while the line developed from the same F1 became Atsuhime, so the same traits carry two names. Atsuhime emphasises coloured fins, with a beautifully orange-red tail. Transparent scales lack reflective cells on the gill covers, so blood shows through as red cheeks. Look for orange-red colour, red cheeks, the hikari body and a red tail; body type separates it from the normal-bodied Youkihi transparent-scale, and fin colour from Beni. Colour fixation at the time was given as 30-70%.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Atsuhime 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 orange-red body and tail can be enjoyed from the side or above.
Colour fixation was given as 30-70%; choose hikari-bodied breeders with red extending into the tail.
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.
Atsuhime 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.
Atsuhime Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Atsuhime Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026