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Warm amber (tortoiseshell) body color. More subdued than Youkihi with refined, subtle beauty.
Kohaku (Amber) medaka is an improved variety featuring a warm amber-to-tortoiseshell body color. Unlike the intense vermilion of Youkihi, it displays a translucent amber hue with understated elegance. Many individuals carry transparent-scale traits, allowing a faint view of internal redness. Adapts to any container type with consistent beauty. Moderate color-enhancing food helps maintain the amber depth. Peaceful temperament suits community tanks. Particularly well-matched with traditional Japanese ceramic containers.
The Kohaku (Amber) Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Kohaku (Amber) Medaka grows to 3-4cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Kohaku (Amber) Medaka is 18〜24℃.
Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water, suitable for beginners.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
5〜30℃(適温20〜28℃)
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
Medaka pellets
Beautiful in any container
5-30°C
Close to wild type and hardy
Easy to breed with high fixation rate
May seem plain but appreciated by connoisseurs
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 Kohaku (Amber) Medaka is 18〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Kohaku (Amber) Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Kohaku (Amber) Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Kohaku (Amber) Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kohaku (Amber) Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026