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Improved medaka with beautiful golden body. Hikari body type with especially strong back shine. Gold gleam stands out viewed from above. Considered auspicious, popular as gifts.
Kogane (golden) medaka is an improved variety with a beautiful glittering golden body. Hikari-type individuals shine strongly along the back, and the gold gleams especially from above. Considered auspicious, it is a friendly variety popular for gifts. Found in both standard and hikari body types, roughly 3–4 cm. The golden color is hardy and stable, making it easy for beginners to keep and breed. The gold shows richer in dark containers, so container color is worth considering for display. Peaceful and community-compatible with similar-sized gentle varieties, and well suited as an entry-level medaka.
The Kogane (Gold) Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Kogane (Gold) Medaka grows to 3-4cm.
The ideal temperature for the Kogane (Gold) Medaka is 20〜28℃.
Adaptable across a wide 5–30°C range in neutral to slightly alkaline water, thriving from outdoor biotopes to indoor tanks.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Selectively bred killifish are trait combinations of body form × body color × pattern × luminescence (internal/external) × scale types (transparent scales) × sparkle × fin morphology and so forth. Published entries include only confirmed traits constituting the given variety, with genetic inheritance patterns provided only for confirmed traits (uncertain cases omitted). Genetic patterns are provided as reference for breeding.
Sources: JMA Japan Medaka Association — Improved Medaka Variety Classification Manual (JA) / Improved Medaka Web Encyclopedia (medakazukan, JA)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
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: (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · Japan Medaka Association — Variety Classification Manual (JA)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Find listings for this species
5〜30℃
Medaka pellets, daphnia
Dark container showcases golden shine best
The gold shines most beautifully under outdoor sunlight. Hikari-type fish show their back lustre best when viewed from above.
Adapts to a wide range of about 5-30°C (ideally 20-28°C) and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline water. Keepable from outdoor biotopes to indoor tanks.
Hardy and easy to keep. Recommended for beginners
Gentle and fine with peaceful varieties of similar size. Avoid housing it with aggressive fish.
The gold coloration is hardy and stable, and even beginners can breed it easily. Provide a spawning mop to multiply.
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 ideal temperature for Kogane (Gold) Medaka is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Kogane (Gold) Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Kogane (Gold) Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Kogane (Gold) Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets, daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kogane (Gold) Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026