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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.
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.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
2-3cm
Temperature
5〜30℃
Medaka pellets
25-30°C recommended (lower temps revert body shape)
Poor swimmer — keep water flow gentle
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: 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 · 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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Low fertilization rate — individual management recommended
Avoid mixing with normal body types — disadvantaged in feeding
Spinal curvature is 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 (Improved) is 5〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Daruma Medaka (Improved) is 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Daruma Medaka (Improved) typically reaches 2-3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Daruma Medaka (Improved) feeds on: Medaka pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Daruma Medaka (Improved) varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 8, 2026