How difficult is it to keep Tricolor Lame Medaka?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Tricolor Lame Medaka?

The ideal temperature for Tricolor Lame Medaka is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Tricolor Lame Medaka?

The average lifespan of Tricolor Lame Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Tricolor Lame Medaka get?

Tricolor Lame Medaka typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Tricolor Lame Medaka?

Tricolor Lame Medaka feeds on: Prepared food, daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Tricolor Lame Medaka?

The price of Tricolor Lame Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Tricolor Lame Medaka

Intermediate

A stunning variety combining tricolor (red, white, black) pattern with glittering lame scales. Koi-like beauty with sparkle — one of the most popular medaka. Selection breeding is deeply engaging.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

5〜30℃

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Diet

Prepared food, daphnia, brine shrimp

About

Tricolor lame medaka is a spectacular improved variety combining red, white, and black tricolor patterning with glittering lame scales derived from iridophores. Its koi-like grandeur was one of the driving forces of the improved medaka boom. Each individual has unique color placement, giving them a one-of-a-kind quality. Fixation rate is low — producing ideal tricolor distribution and lame density requires mass breeding and rigorous selection. Black containers emphasize lame sparkle; white containers are better for pattern inspection. Peaceful temperament suits community tanks, though species-only keeping aids quality maintenance.

Lifespan of the Tricolor Lame Medaka

The Tricolor Lame Medaka lives 2-3 years.

Size of the Tricolor Lame Medaka

The Tricolor Lame Medaka grows to 3-4cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Tricolor Lame Medaka

The ideal temperature for the Tricolor Lame Medaka is 20〜28℃.

Neutral to slightly alkaline water, 5–30°C.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (selectively bred variety)

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Temperature

Care Specifications

pH: 7–8
Hardness (GH): 9–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–28℃

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.

PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.

Lame

Other

Transparent scaleTricolor pattern (red/white/black)

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: (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.