How difficult is it to keep Black Diamond Medaka?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Black Diamond Medaka?

The ideal temperature for Black Diamond Medaka is 18〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Black Diamond Medaka?

The average lifespan of Black Diamond Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Black Diamond Medaka get?

Black Diamond Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Black Diamond Medaka?

Black Diamond Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Black Diamond Medaka?

The price of Black Diamond Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Black Diamond Medaka

Intermediate

Black body studded with lame scales like stars in the night sky. Orochi lineage crossed with lame scales.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

5〜30℃

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Diet

Medaka pellets

About

Black Diamond medaka is an improved variety combining Orochi's jet-black body with lame scales derived from iridophores, creating a luxurious 'black diamond' sparkle. Like stars scattered across a night sky, the reflective lame scales contrast brilliantly against the jet-black body. It inherits Orochi's lack of background adaptation, maintaining deep black in any container color. Dark containers maximize lame contrast; sunlight and LED lighting produce the most dazzling sparkle. Lame quality depends on both genetics and environment — selecting parents with dense, bright lame is essential.

Lifespan of the Black Diamond Medaka

The Black Diamond Medaka lives 2-3 years.

Size of the Black Diamond Medaka

The Black Diamond Medaka grows to 3-4cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Black Diamond Medaka

The ideal water temperature for the Black Diamond Medaka is 18〜24℃.

Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (selectively bred variety)

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Temperature

5〜30℃

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.

Lame

Other

Black body (orochi line)

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: (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.