Hanipon (Black Panda) Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A medaka with the Orochi black that does not fade in any container, panda eyes and yellow pigment in the fins. Fish with yellow dorsal and anal fins but a black tail are written 改志 as a separate line.
Kaiji is the nickname of a black panda medaka with the supplement 'black (yellow fins)' and no background adaptation; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Masahiro Tanikuni. It has the Orochi body colour with yellow pigment in the fins; fish with yellow dorsal and anal fins but a black tail are called by the kanji 改志 as a separate line. Orochi itself, bred by Tanikuni over about six and a half years, is regarded as the blackest medaka: unlike earlier black medaka that paled in white containers, it keeps its colour in any container. Look for the jet-black Orochi body, panda eyes and yellow fins; fin colour separates it from other panda and black panda lines.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Kaiji Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Kaiji 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℃
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)
With no background adaptation it stays black even in white containers, where the yellow fins stand out.
Names differ by how far the yellow extends; pair fish of the intended line, checking whether the tail is yellow or black.
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 Kaiji Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Kaiji 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.
Kaiji Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kaiji Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
