How difficult is it to keep Moonlight Medaka?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Moonlight Medaka?

The ideal temperature for Moonlight Medaka is 18〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Moonlight Medaka?

The average lifespan of Moonlight Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Moonlight Medaka get?

Moonlight Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Moonlight Medaka?

Moonlight Medaka feeds on: Pellets, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Moonlight Medaka?

The price of Moonlight Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Moonlight Medaka

Intermediate

A fantastic medaka emitting pale light like moonlight. Internal light shines from head to back.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

5〜30℃

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Diet

Pellets, Daphnia

About

Moonlight medaka is a fantastical improved variety emitting a soft, pale glow like moonlight. Body color ranges from white to pale cream or light blue, with external body light or semi-translucent body texture creating a mystical lunar shimmer. Many strains carry Miyuki external body light, with pale inner light from head to back being the main attraction. Dark containers (black) best evoke a moonlit atmosphere by making the light stand out. Regular water changes maintain water quality. External-light range selection in breeding maintains strong-light lineages. Particularly beautiful under LED lighting in indoor aquariums.

Lifespan of the Moonlight Medaka

The Moonlight Medaka lives 2-3 years.

Size of the Moonlight Medaka

The Moonlight Medaka grows to 3-4cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Moonlight Medaka

The ideal water temperature for the Moonlight Medaka is 18〜24℃.

Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (selectively bred variety)

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Temperature

5〜30℃

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.

Other

Body inner light (taineikou)

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.

Primary sources

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.