How difficult is it to keep Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka?

The ideal temperature for Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka is 18〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka?

The average lifespan of Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka get?

Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka typically reaches Up to about 4cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka?

Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka feeds on: Prepared medaka food, green water. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka?

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

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Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka

Intermediate

Oryzias latipes

An improved medaka combining the yellow-finned black body colour with the panda trait. A dark stripe across the head is its distinguishing mark; it was created in 2013 by Akinori Shimizu and became the first variety certified by the Japan Medaka Association.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

18〜28℃

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

Up to about 4cm SL

Diet

Prepared medaka food, green water

About

Hanipon is the nickname for an improved medaka with a black body and the panda trait, classified as the black panda medaka with the sub-category yellow-finned black. The Medaka Web Encyclopedia registers it as type No.0703; it was created in 2013 by Akinori Shimizu. A dark stripe across the head is its defining feature: the marking can be seen on other fish as well, but in 2013 hanipon was recognised as the variety expressing it most strongly. It was the first variety approved under the Japan Medaka Association's new-variety certification scheme, and the association's list records it as No.1, 2013, Akinori Shimizu. The yellow-finned black sub-category denotes a black body that retains yellow pigment: the body becomes a brownish black and yellow pigment cells show strongly in the fins, a form also called black ougon. Black bodies include both fish that respond to the background and fish that do not, and the two can be told apart clearly in a white container.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka

The Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka lives 2-3 years.

Size of the Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka

The Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka grows to Up to about 4cm SL.

Temperature & humidity for the Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka

The ideal temperature for the Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka is 18〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (a domestic variety created in 2013 by Akinori Shimizu; Japan Medaka Association certified new variety No.1)

Care Specifications

pH: 7–8
Hardness (GH): 9–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 18–28℃

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Complete Medaka Care Guide / FishBase Oryzias latipes / Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0703 (Hanipon)

Morphs (Varieties)

The Japan Medaka Association's classification manual sorts varieties by traits that can be seen rather than by genotype, and does not set out how individual traits are inherited. Traits the manual explicitly says can be passed on and produced by selective, multi-generation breeding are listed as line-bred; the rest are grouped under Other.

Other

Black body colour (yellow-finned)Panda

Sources: Japan Medaka Association: Variety Classification Manual, 5th ed. (Sep 2025) / Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Medaka Traits / Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0703 (Hanipon) / Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Black body colour

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 (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)

Breeder: 清水昭紀 (2013)

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0703 (Hanipon) · Japan Medaka Association: List of Certified New Varieties

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 2018)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.