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Oryzias latipes var.
Improved medaka with beautiful blue external body light. Named because the blue-white external light emanating from the back evokes a galaxy. Popular variety with fantastical beauty like a nighttime water surface.
Ginga (Galaxy) medaka is an improved variety whose blue-white external body light emanating from the back evokes a galaxy. Based on Miyuki external body light, combining wide-coverage external light across the body with lame creates a fantastical galaxy-like shimmer. The external body light is especially beautiful under LED lighting and in dark containers, where the galaxy-like light band stands out most. Water temperature management around 28°C during the juvenile stage is critical for external light development. Adult size 2–4cm, standard body type. Selecting parents with the widest external light coverage is paramount in selective breeding. Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water; intermediate-to-advanced skill required for quality individual production. High ornamental value from both top and side views.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
5〜30℃
Medaka pellets, daphnia
Black container showcases blue external body light best
LED lighting makes external body light shine more
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.
Find listings for this species
5-30°C (optimal 20-28°C)
Select and breed individuals with strongest external body light
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Ginga Medaka is 5〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Ginga Medaka is 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Ginga Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Ginga Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets, daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ginga Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 8, 2026