AI-generated image
Lame Medaka
IntermediateA beautiful medaka with glitter-like reflective scales scattered across the body. Shines in seven colors with light.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
5〜30℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
2-4cm
Diet
Artificial feed, Daphnia
About
Lame medaka is a collective term for improved varieties featuring iridophore-derived reflective scales scattered across the body, sparkling brilliantly under light. The name 'lame' comes from the French word for metallic thread, reflecting the jewel-like shimmer of the body surface. Depending on light angle, the scales appear to shift through blue, green, gold, silver, and other hues. Lame quality — density, scale size, and brilliance — is strongly influenced by parental genetics, making careful selection of lame-rich parents critical for quality improvement. Dark containers best showcase the sparkle. Compatible with many body color varieties, producing a wide range of lame medaka strains.
Lifespan of the Lame Medaka
The Lame Medaka lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Lame Medaka
The Lame Medaka grows to 2-4cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Lame Medaka
The ideal water temperature for the Lame Medaka is 18〜24℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
2-4cm
Temperature
5〜30℃
Diet
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–24℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Morphs (Varieties)
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.
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
Lame
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.
References & Sources
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
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.
Lame Medaka Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
