Hakuhime Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A reddish amber transparent-scaled hikari medaka with black-rimmed scales and vivid fin colour, bred from Beniazami and a reddish amber transparent-scaled line.
Kotohime is the nickname of an amber transparent-scaled black-rim medaka with the hikari body; the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan credits it to Toshihiro Wada, 2020. It was selected for amber body colour from the F2 of Beniazami (orange-red transparent-scaled black-rim hikari) crossed with a reddish amber transparent-scaled line, aiming to express Beniazami's coloured fins and black rim on an amber body. The name joins 'koto' from Kotoko (amber hikari-daruma) and 'hime' from the black-rim lines Otohime and Hakuhime. It differs from ordinary amber medaka by its black rim and coloured fins, and from Beniazami by its more yellow-brown amber colour. Normal-bodied siblings also appear alongside hikari fish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Kotohime Medaka grows to About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase).
Origin
Japan (ornamental cultivar)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
Temperature
5〜30℃
Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
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.
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Fin colour and black rims can be enjoyed from the side or above.
Siblings include hikari and normal bodies; choose reddish-amber breeders with strong rims and fin colour.
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.
Kotohime 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.
Kotohime Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kotohime Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
