Deme (Telescope-Eye) Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A white, transparent-scaled daruma medaka with protruding eyes that face forward, so it seems to look straight back at you from the front — hence the nickname Ponyo.
Ponyo is the nickname of the white transparent-scaled deme-memae daruma medaka. The original memae (forward-eyed) medaka, according to the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan, was shown by Mr Kinoshita of Tokushima at the first Japan Medaka Show in 2007; its eyes point diagonally forward, so the fish seems to meet your gaze through a glass tank. Adding the protruding-eye (deme) trait to push the eyes further forward produced the deme-memae medaka, created by Mr Kondo in 2010. Look for a white body with red-looking cheeks from transparent scales, protruding forward-facing eyes and a short daruma body. It differs from ordinary deme medaka in that the eyes face forward rather than sideways or upward. Eye angle varies greatly, the fixation rate among memae fish is said to be 30-50%, and fish with crooked mouths appear, so strict selection is needed.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Ponyo Medaka grows to Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase).
Origin
Japan (ornamental cultivar)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
Temperature
5〜30℃
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 (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Ornamental medaka are cultivars of Oryzias latipes. Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+) and not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. Japan's wild medaka (Oryzias latipes and O. sakaizumii) are listed as Vulnerable on the Ministry of the Environment Red List and differ genetically by region. Releasing ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or rice paddies causes genetic pollution through hybridisation with wild fish, so never release them.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Wikipedia (Japanese): Medaka – conservation and genetic pollution
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
Its forward-facing eyes are best enjoyed head-on, so a glass tank viewed from the side suits it.
Fixation among memae fish is said to be 30-50%. Choose breeders with at least one forward-facing eye and exclude fish with crooked mouths.
Protruding eyes are easily injured, so avoid sharp décor and gravel; the daruma body also swims less strongly.
Give floating food that is eaten within 3-5 minutes: at least twice a day in summer, once a day in spring and autumn, and little or none outdoors in winter.
Never release ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or paddies; hybridisation causes genetic pollution of wild medaka.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Ponyo Medaka typically reaches Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Ponyo Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Ponyo Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
