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A refreshing medaka with yamabuki (bright yellow) body color. Brighter than Youkihi, closer to lemon shade.
Yamabuki medaka is an improved variety featuring vivid yellow body color reminiscent of Yamabuki (Japanese kerria rose) flowers. Unlike Youkihi's reddish vermilion, it displays lemon-yellow to vivid yellow coloration that brightens any tank. A longstanding representative of yellow-spectrum medaka varieties. Light or white containers best showcase the yellow color. Fixation rate is relatively high compared to other color-enhanced varieties, reducing selection burden and making it easy to keep. Suitable for outdoor biotopes and indoor tanks alike. Easy to breed with regular spawning. Peaceful and community-friendly — a go-to yellow medaka for hobbyists of all levels.
The Yamabuki Medaka lives 2-3 years.
The Yamabuki Medaka grows to 2-4cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Yamabuki Medaka is 18〜24℃.
Extremely hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water.
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
2-4cm
Temperature
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
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.
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.
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: (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.
Find listings for this species
5〜30℃
Artificial feed, Daphnia
Light-colored container enhances yellow
Very hardy across 5-30°C and neutral to slightly alkaline water. Can be kept in an outdoor biotope or an indoor tank.
Feed prepared food as the staple with daphnia. Leftovers foul the water, so give only what is eaten within a few minutes.
Breeds readily and spawns actively once a spawning medium is provided. Color fixation is relatively high, so selection is less demanding.
Gentle temperament; mixes without trouble and can be kept with other peaceful medaka of similar size.
Enjoy refreshing yellow under sunlight
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 Yamabuki Medaka is 18〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Yamabuki Medaka is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Yamabuki Medaka typically reaches 2-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Yamabuki Medaka feeds on: Artificial feed, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Yamabuki Medaka varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026