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Short-bodied round medaka resembling a daruma doll. Rolling swimming motion is adorable. Requires warm water keeping.
Daruma medaka is a body-type variety named after the daruma doll, featuring a shortened torso with roughly half the normal body length and a rounded, plump silhouette. Fewer vertebrae create its distinctive body shape and characteristic rolling swimming motion. Adult size is 2–3cm. Temperature management above 25°C is critical — below this, individuals may revert toward normal body type (half-daruma). Strong water flow is stressful for these poor swimmers; sponge filters providing gentle current are ideal. Breeding also requires warm water around 28°C. Daruma x Daruma crosses increase the proportion of daruma offspring but raise the risk of body deformities, making careful selection essential.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
1-2 years
Size
2-3cm
Temperature
5〜30℃(適温20〜28℃)
Medaka pellets
25-30°C (reverts in cool water)
Poor swimmer — keep flow gentle
Low fertilization rate — individual management recommended
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
改良メダカは体型×体色×柄×光(体内/体外)×鱗(透明鱗)×ラメ×ヒレ等のトレイト合成。掲載は当該品種を構成する確証トレイトのみで遺伝形式は確証のみ付与(不確実は省略)。遺伝形式は交配の参考。
Sources: JMA日本メダカ協会 改良メダカ品種分類マニュアル / 改良メダカWEB図鑑(medakazukan)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
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 · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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Avoid mixing with normal body types
Spine curvature common — culling important
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Daruma Medaka is 5〜30℃(適温20〜28℃). Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Daruma Medaka is 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Daruma Medaka typically reaches 2-3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Daruma Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Daruma Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 8, 2026