AI-generated image
Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
An albino-line improved medaka with a white body and eyes that read as black. Created in 2013 by Megumi Fukunaga, it became the second variety certified as new 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
Hitomi was created in 2013 by Megumi Fukunaga and is the second variety certified as new by the Japan Medaka Association. It was exhibited at the 5th spring national medaka show and certified at the autumn show of the same year. The association's certification list names the variety Albino Panda, while the Medaka Web Encyclopedia records it as white panda ruby-eye medaka, explaining that albinism and ruby eye were not distinguished at the time of its creation. It is regarded as the first medaka in which melanophores were confirmed on an albino fish: although albinos normally carry no melanin in the iris, this fish shows the panda expression in which the whole eye reads as black. Panda is the trait in which iridophores are absent from the eye and belly so that they appear black, named from the contrast between the white body and dark eyes. The encyclopedia registers it as type No.0643 and variety No.0622.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka
The Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka
The Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka grows to Up to about 4cm SL.
Temperature & humidity for the Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka
The ideal temperature for the Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka is 18〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (domestic variety created in 2013 by Megumi Fukunaga)
Lifespan
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.0643
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
White body colourAlbinoPanda eyeRuby eye
Sources: Japan Medaka Association: Variety Classification Manual, 5th ed. (Sep 2025) / Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Medaka Traits / Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0643 / Medaka Web Encyclopedia: JMA Certified New Varieties List
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
- Wikipedia
- CITES Appendices (species not listed)
- FishBase (IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 2018)
- Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Complete Medaka Care Guide
- Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0643
- Japan Medaka Association: Variety Classification Manual, 5th ed. (Sep 2025)
- Medaka Web Encyclopedia: Medaka Traits
- Medaka Web Encyclopedia: JMA Certified New Varieties List
- FishBase
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Breeder: 福永恵 (2013)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · Medaka Web Encyclopedia No.0643 · Medaka Web Encyclopedia: JMA Certified New Varieties List
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.
Hitomi (Albino Panda) Medaka Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
