Mehina Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A daruma (short-bodied) form of the orange-red Youkihi medaka, with a round, compact body. Created by Yukio Ohba in 2005 and named 'first love' after a visitor's remark.
Hatsukoi ('first love') is the nickname of the orange-red daruma medaka, also called Youkihi daruma. According to the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan it was created by Yukio Ohba in 2005: a daruma-bodied fish appeared in a line derived from the prototype of Youkihi, and selection for that body shape produced today's Hatsukoi. The name comes from a visiting hobbyist who said it was the first time he had fallen in love with a medaka. It combines Youkihi's orange-red colour with the short, round daruma body. Shutennou, by the same breeder, is the hikari-daruma version, with a shining line along the back and matching dorsal and anal fins. The fixation rate is given as 50% or more, so normal-bodied siblings also appear.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hatsukoi Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Hatsukoi Medaka grows to Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase).
Origin
Japan (ornamental cultivar)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
Temperature
5〜30℃ (typical for Medaka)
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
Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
The orange-red colour shows well from above and from the side; outdoor sunlight is said to help colour.
Fixation is about 50% or more and normal-bodied siblings appear; pair daruma-bodied fish as breeders.
The daruma body has a shortened spine and swims less strongly; avoid strong currents and make sure it gets its share of food.
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.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Hatsukoi Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hatsukoi Medaka typically reaches Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hatsukoi Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hatsukoi Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
