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Oryzias latipes var.
Classic improved medaka with beautiful golden-shining body color. Body sparkles in sunlight, beautiful in tanks and outdoor containers. Easy to keep and suitable for beginners.
Ougon (Golden) medaka is one of the classic improved medaka varieties with beautiful golden-shining body color, often combined with the hikari body type, where iridophore external body light produces the golden shimmer. It sparkles brilliantly in sunlight with high ornamental value in outdoor tubs, lotus pots, and indoor aquariums alike. One of the earliest established improved medaka varieties, long beloved as an entry-level improved medaka. Standard body type, 3–4cm. Extremely hardy and easy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water. Outdoor sunlight enhances the golden coloration. Easy to breed with spawning mats. Peaceful and community-friendly. Universally loved from beginners to advanced hobbyists for its golden brilliance and simple beauty.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
5〜30℃
Medaka pellets, daphnia
Black container makes golden color stand out more
Sunlight makes body color shine even more
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
改良メダカは体型×体色×柄×光(体内/体外)×鱗(透明鱗)×ラメ×ヒレ等のトレイト合成。掲載は当該品種を構成する確証トレイトのみで遺伝形式は確証のみ付与(不確実は省略)。遺伝形式は交配の参考。
Sources: JMA日本メダカ協会 改良メダカ品種分類マニュアル / 改良メダカWEB図鑑(medakazukan)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
Edited & verified by: br-choku 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 var. (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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5-30°C (optimal 20-28°C)
Hardy and easy to breed. Suitable for beginners
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 Ougon Medaka is 5〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Ougon Medaka is 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Ougon Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Ougon Medaka feeds on: Medaka pellets, daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ougon Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 8, 2026