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Superior variety with even deeper red than Youkihi. Transparent scales reveal internal organs, further emphasizing redness. Pursuing the ultimate in red coloration.
Kurenai (crimson) medaka is a premium variety derived by breeding the popular Youkihi medaka even redder, distinguished by a deep crimson body. Its clear-scale trait lets the internal organs show faintly through, and that translucency intensifies the red into a deeper, more vivid crimson — a variety made to pursue the ultimate in red. Standard body type, roughly 3–4 cm. Red coloration responds to diet and environment, deepening with color-enhancing food and keeping in dark containers under sunlight. Peaceful and community-compatible. Maintaining and improving the vivid red depends on selectively breeding the most deeply crimson parents.
The Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka grows to 3-4cm.
The ideal temperature for the Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka is 20〜28℃.
Hardy across roughly 5–30°C in neutral to slightly alkaline water.
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.
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5〜30℃
Red-enhancing food, daphnia, brine shrimp
Red color-enhancing food maintains color. Carotenoid-based effective
In a black container under sunlight the crimson comes out deepest and most beautiful. Coloration is easily affected by diet and environment.
Adapts to about 5-30°C (ideally 20-28°C) and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline water. Avoid sudden water changes.
Strictly select reddest individuals for line breeding
Gentle and can be kept with other peaceful varieties. Avoid housing it with aggressive fish.
Because of the transparent scales the organs show faintly through the body; this is a trait of the variety, not a problem.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka feeds on: Red-enhancing food, daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kurenai (Crimson) Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026