Mehina Medaka
IntermediateOryzias latipes
A hikari-daruma form of the orange-red Youkihi medaka: a round body with a shining line on the back and matching dorsal and anal fins. Created by Yukio Ohba in 2005.
Shutennou is the nickname of the orange-red hikari-daruma medaka, also called Youkihi hikari-daruma. According to the Kairyo Medaka Web Zukan it was created by Yukio Ohba in 2005 by crossing Youkihi with daruma and hikari medaka, and named as 'the pinnacle of orange-red medaka'. The hikari body type has a shining line along the back, a dorsal fin shaped like the anal fin and a diamond-shaped tail; combined with the short daruma body, this gives Shutennou. Hatsukoi, by the same breeder, is the plain daruma form and lacks the shining back and hikari fins. Fixation is given as 50%, so normal and hikari-bodied siblings also appear.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Shutennou 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℃
Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
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.
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The shining back line shows from above, and the orange-red colour from above or the side.
Fixation is about 50%; pair hikari-daruma fish and keep normal or hikari-bodied siblings separately.
The daruma body has a shortened spine and swims less strongly; avoid strong currents and make sure it gets its share of food.
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.
Shutennou 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.
Shutennou Medaka feeds on: Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Shutennou Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
