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Aurora
IntermediateOryzias latipes var.
Medaka variety displaying iridescent coloration resembling auroras. Body sides exhibit complex, light-reflective hues creating stunning visual appeal. Popular cultivar with slightly elevated husbandry complexity versus basic colors.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
5〜30℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Diet
Prepared foods (fry powder to adult flakes) plus live foods such as daphnia and infusoria
About
The Aurora group is a collective name for improved varieties that combine semi-transparent (clear) scales with external body light and lame, producing iridescent shimmer that shifts through blue, green, pink, and gold depending on viewing angle and lighting. The layering of multiple color elements means the same individual can look dramatically different under different light sources. Standard body type, roughly 3–4 cm. Enjoyable from both top and side views, with color especially vivid in dark containers and under natural or LED light. Peaceful in temperament and suitable for community tanks with other gentle varieties. Selecting the most colorful parents maintains and improves strains with richer color shifts.
Lifespan of the Aurora
The Aurora lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Aurora
The Aurora grows to 3-4cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Aurora
The ideal water temperature for the Aurora is 18〜24℃.
Hardy across roughly 5–30°C in neutral to slightly alkaline water, though sudden changes should be avoided.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–24℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Morphs (Varieties)
Selectively bred killifish are trait combinations of body form × body color × pattern × luminescence (internal/external) × scale types (transparent scales) × sparkle × fin morphology and so forth. Published entries include only confirmed traits constituting the given variety, with genetic inheritance patterns provided only for confirmed traits (uncertain cases omitted). Genetic patterns are provided as reference for breeding.
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
Body luster (taikougai)
Other
Semi-transparent scale
Sources: JMA Japan Medaka Association — Improved Medaka Variety Classification Manual (JA) / Improved Medaka Web Encyclopedia (medakazukan, JA)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Oryzias latipes var. (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · Japan Medaka Association — Variety Classification Manual (JA)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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