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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. 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.
The Ougon Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Ougon Medaka grows to 3-4cm.
The ideal temperature for the Ougon Medaka is 20〜28℃.
Extremely hardy and easy in 5–30°C, 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: 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 · Japan Medaka Association — Variety Classification Manual (JA)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Find listings for this species
5〜30℃
Medaka pellets, daphnia
A black container makes the golden color stand out more. Looks great in an outdoor tub, a lotus bowl, or an indoor tank.
It sparkles gold in sunlight, so keeping it outdoors under the sun brings out the color best.
Tolerates 5-30°C with 20-28°C ideal. Adapts widely to neutral to slightly alkaline water; hardy and easy to keep.
Feed medaka pellets as the staple plus live foods such as daphnia. Leftovers foul the water, so feed small amounts.
Hardy and easy to breed. Spawns actively once a spawning medium is provided, so even beginners can raise fry.
Gentle temperament; mixes without trouble and can be kept with other peaceful medaka of similar size.
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 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Ougon Medaka is 2-3 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: August 31, 2026