Oryzias latipes
A blue miyuki hikari medaka with long fins and all-round shine that encircles the body. Credited to Koji Baba.
Ginsen is the nickname of a blue body-shine long-fin hikari medaka with all-round shine; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Koji Baba (year not given). It is a blue miyuki hikari that inherited long fins and all-round shine, in which body shine spreads around the body rather than just along the back. Blue colour, all-round shine, hikari body and long fins together identify it. The similar Mizuiro Kikyou has blue lamé and fin shine, while Aocho Hikari has long-fin rays.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Ginsen 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
All-round and back shine show well from above; avoid sharp décor that could damage the long fins.
Hikari long-fins are prone to spinal deformities; choose straight-backed breeders with full all-round shine.
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.
Ginsen 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.
Ginsen Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ginsen Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026