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Daruma Medaka
IntermediateShort-bodied round medaka resembling a daruma doll. Rolling swimming motion is adorable. Requires warm water keeping.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
25〜30℃
Lifespan
1-2 years
Size
2-3cm
Diet
Medaka pellets
About
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. Strong water flow is stressful for these poor swimmers; sponge filters providing gentle current are ideal. Daruma x Daruma crosses increase the proportion of daruma offspring but raise the risk of body deformities, making careful selection essential.
Lifespan of the Daruma Medaka
The Daruma Medaka lives 1-2 years.
Size of the Daruma Medaka
The Daruma Medaka grows to 2-3cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Daruma Medaka
The ideal temperature for the Daruma Medaka is 25〜30℃.
Temperature management above 25°C is critical — below this, individuals may revert toward normal body type (half-daruma). Breeding also requires warm water around 28°C.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
1-2 years
Size
2-3cm
Temperature
25〜30℃
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 25–30℃
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.
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
Daruma (short body)
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: (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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