How difficult is it to keep Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)?

The ideal temperature for Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) is 18〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)?

The average lifespan of Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) get?

Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)?

Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) feeds on: Medaka pellets, daphnia, mosquito larvae, attached algae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)?

The price of Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)

Beginner

Oryzias latipes

Wild-type medaka native to Japanese streams and rice paddies. Simple yellowish-brown coloring evokes Japan's original landscape. Listed on the Environment Ministry's Red List.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

5〜35℃

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Diet

Medaka pellets, daphnia, mosquito larvae, attached algae

About

Minami medaka (wild type) is the wild-form medaka inhabiting Japan's streams, rice paddies, and irrigation channels — close to the original species, also called 'kuro medaka' (black medaka). Its plain, pale yellow-brown body lacks flashiness but carries the deep flavor of Japan's traditional countryside and satoyama nature. Standard body type, roughly 3–4 cm. Once a familiar fish found everywhere, its numbers have declined with environmental change, and it is now listed on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List, making conservation important. Peaceful and schooling by nature, it can be kept with similar-sized gentle varieties. Easy to keep and breed, it is meaningful for understanding the origin of improved varieties.

Lifespan of the Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)

The Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) lives 2-3 years.

Size of the Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)

The Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) grows to 3-4cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type)

The ideal temperature for the Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) is 18〜28℃.

It adapts across a wide 5–35°C range (optimal 18–28°C) in neutral to slightly alkaline water, is very hardy, and can overwinter in outdoor biotopes.

Basic Info

Origin

Japan (selectively bred variety)

Lifespan

2-3 years

Care Specifications

pH: 7–8
Hardness (GH): 9–19 dGH
Water Temp.: 18–28℃

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy

Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes

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: Oryzias latipes (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.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Oryzias latipes. Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+, 2026-09-18).

Sources: Species+ (CITES)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.