Kizakura Medaka
BeginnerOryzias latipes
A black-bodied lamé medaka with a translucent tone and strong glitter visible from both above and the side. Slightly paler than Black Diamond, with glitter that is much easier to see from above.
Cloud Gray Diamond is the trade name of a line within the 'black lamé medaka' variety in the Japan Medaka Association classification; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Yoshinori Nakazato, 2022. It was developed from Black Diamond by selecting and line-breeding offspring with strong glitter visible from above, and was first sold as 'top-view strong-lamé Black Diamond' before receiving its name. The key to telling it apart is the glitter: ordinary Black Diamond shows clear lamé from the side, but from above the black body often hides it. Cloud Gray Diamond is slightly paler black, but its glitter stands out clearly from above, giving many fish a greyish-black look. Care is the same as for other ornamental medaka.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Cloud Gray Diamond 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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Its top-view glitter makes it attractive even in outdoor containers viewed from above.
Offspring with weaker top-view glitter also appear; choose fish with strong glitter seen from above as breeders.
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.
Cloud Gray Diamond 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.
Cloud Gray Diamond Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Cloud Gray Diamond Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
