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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.
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. 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. 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.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
5〜35℃(適温18〜28℃)
Medaka pellets, daphnia, mosquito larvae, attached algae
Biotope keeping is ideal. Provide natural environment
Very prolific. Provide spawning mops for easy breeding
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Edited & verified by: br-choku 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, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Find listings for this species
Keep separate from improved varieties to prevent hybridization
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) is 5〜35℃(適温18〜28℃). Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
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.
Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Southern Japanese Rice Fish (Wild Type) feeds on: Medaka pellets, daphnia, mosquito larvae, attached algae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
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.
Last updated: July 8, 2026