Big-Eye Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
Not a single variety name but an eye trait in which the eye reflects light and appears blue or another colour; it appears in the names of JMA certified varieties kimera (No. 39) and Devil (No. 40).
Earth eye is not a single variety but a name for an eye trait. Among Japan Medaka Association certified varieties, No. 39 kimera (2024, Kazuki Onozawa) is registered as 'yellow albino panda earth-eye' with the trait supplement 'earth eye (blue)', and No. 40 Devil (2024, Takashi Hakozaki) as 'black earth-eye lamé swallow long-fin'. The kimera application also describes the feature as a 'blue-eye trait', so it includes eyes that look blue. In the trade it usually appears combined with a body colour, as in black earth-eye, and many show entries include it. Fish sold as 'earth-eye medaka' vary in colour, scales and fins, so check the full variety name and the actual eye. Its boundary with the similar blue-eye trait overlaps even in naming.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Earth-Eye 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.
Find listings for this species
The eye is easiest to see up close from the side, so a glass tank suits it.
Expression varies; choose breeders showing the trait clearly in both eyes.
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.
Earth-Eye 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.
Earth-Eye Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Earth-Eye Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
