Ougon Medaka
BeginnerOryzias latipes
A hikari-bodied medaka in bright golden colour, fixed from the pale-gold form of golden medaka found among brown medaka. Created by Yukio Ohba in 2001; fixation is said to exceed 99%.
Hideyoshi is the nickname of the golden hikari medaka, also called Ougon Hikari; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Yukio Ohba, 2001. Derived from wild medaka, it was made by selecting bright brown (pale-gold) fish with few melanophores. Golden medaka were originally found among brown medaka and split into pale gold, gold and deep gold; the pale-gold form was fixed as golden medaka, and Hideyoshi is its hikari form. Look for bright gold produced by the balance of yellow and black, plus the hikari body with a shining back line and matching dorsal and anal fins; the existing golden medaka has a normal body. If the balance shifts, fish drift toward brown or amber, so choose breeders carefully. Fixation is said to exceed 99%.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hideyoshi Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Hideyoshi Medaka grows to About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase).
Origin
Japan (ornamental cultivar)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
About 3-4 cm (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 shining back and golden colour are clearest from above.
Fixation exceeds 99% and it breeds readily; choose bright gold breeders, since imbalance drifts toward brown or amber.
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.
The average lifespan of Hideyoshi Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hideyoshi 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.
Hideyoshi Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hideyoshi Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026