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Satan (Black)
IntermediateOryzias latipes var.
Medaka variety characterized by deep black coloration with variable intensity expression. Genetically complex due to selective breeding, requiring higher care expertise. Striking dark aesthetic for advanced keepers.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
5〜30℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Diet
Prepared foods (fry powder to adult flakes) plus live foods such as daphnia and infusoria
About
Satan (black type) is a black-line improved medaka distinguished by a deep, dense black body. Bred to pursue near-jet-black expression, it shows several variations depending on the degree of black. Its sober, weighty coloration offers a calm appeal distinct from vivid varieties. Standard body type, roughly 3–4 cm. Black coloration is strongly influenced by environment — it fades easily in white containers, so keeping fish in dark containers deepens and stabilizes the black (a protective color response). Some strains carry genetic instability from the breeding process, so fixing and maintaining the desired deep black benefits from selective-breeding experience, making it somewhat more demanding. Peaceful and community-compatible. Breeding the darkest parents together maintains the jet-black strain.
Lifespan of the Satan (Black)
The Satan (Black) lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Satan (Black)
The Satan (Black) grows to 3-4cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Satan (Black)
The ideal water temperature for the Satan (Black) is 18〜24℃.
Hardy across roughly 5–30°C in neutral to slightly alkaline water.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
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
Black body
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: 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.
Satan (Black) Listings
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