How difficult is it to keep Daruma Medaka (Improved)?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Daruma Medaka (Improved)?

The ideal temperature for Daruma Medaka (Improved) is 5〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Daruma Medaka (Improved)?

The average lifespan of Daruma Medaka (Improved) is 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Daruma Medaka (Improved) get?

Daruma Medaka (Improved) typically reaches 2-3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Daruma Medaka (Improved)?

Daruma Medaka (Improved) feeds on: Medaka pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Daruma Medaka (Improved)?

The price of Daruma Medaka (Improved) varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Daruma Medaka (Improved)

Intermediate

Oryzias latipes var.

Improved medaka with short, round daruma body type. Adorable plump form has high ornamental value. Warm water is essential for maintaining body shape.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

5〜30℃

Lifespan

1-2 years

Size

2-3cm

Diet

Medaka pellets

About

Daruma medaka is a body-type variety with body length shortened to roughly half the normal size, creating a plump, round daruma-doll silhouette. Fewer vertebrae produce its distinctive shape and characteristic rolling swimming motion. Many body color combinations exist — daruma Youkihi, daruma Miyuki, daruma Orochi, and more. Adult size is 2–3cm. Temperature management above 25°C is critical; below this, individuals may revert toward normal body type. Strong water flow stresses these poor swimmers — sponge filters providing gentle current are essential. Breeding requires warm water around 28°C. Daruma x daruma crosses increase daruma offspring proportion but also raise the risk of body deformities; careful health-based selection is important.

Lifespan of the Daruma Medaka (Improved)

The Daruma Medaka (Improved) lives 1-2 years.

Size of the Daruma Medaka (Improved)

The Daruma Medaka (Improved) grows to 2-3cm.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (selectively bred variety)

Lifespan

1-2 years

Size

2-3cm

Temperature

5〜30℃

Diet

Medaka pellets

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.

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.

Primary sources

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.