Atsuhime Medaka

Atsuhime Medaka key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)

Container & Tank

The orange-red body and tail can be enjoyed from the side or above.

Breeding

Colour fixation was given as 30-70%; choose hikari-bodied breeders with red extending into the tail.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Peaceful and fine with other medaka of similar size. To keep the variety's traits, do not let it breed with other varieties in the same container.

Diet & Feeding

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.

Cautions

Never release ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or paddies; hybridisation causes genetic pollution of wild medaka.

About Atsuhime Medaka

Atsuhime is a vermilion-red, transparent-scaled hikari-type medaka bred for beautiful fins. Developed in 2009 by Yukio Oba, it is a small, beginner-friendly medaka.

7 things to know before welcoming a Atsuhime Medaka

1. 1The Beauty of the Fins

   Atsuhime comes from a line bred to show color in the fins as well as the body, and the tail fin turns a clean vermilion red. The fins sway as the fish swims, and they look good from above or from the side. The way the color shows can vary with the individual and its environment, so watching it develop after you bring the fish home is part of the fun.

2. 2Beginner-Friendly

   Atsuhime is rated beginner-friendly and can be kept with the basic care used for any medaka. If you look after the container, water, food, and light, you can get started without special equipment. Because it is a small fish, take care to avoid sudden changes in water quality or temperature.

3. 3Container and Placement

   Adults are small, so a small container or tank is enough. That said, a larger volume of water tends to keep water quality steadier and makes upkeep easier. Choose a spot where direct sun will not overheat the water, and use a lid or net to keep the fish from jumping out.

4. 4Water and Water Changes

   Treat tap water with a dechlorinator before use. Change the water in small amounts rather than all at once to avoid sudden shifts in quality or temperature. Since the fins are the main attraction, a gentle filter flow is best so that a strong current does not damage them.

5. 5Choosing Tank Mates

   Medaka are peaceful, and fish of similar size usually get along well. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that could eat them. If you breed Atsuhime alongside other strains, its distinctive traits may become diluted, so keep it in a separate container if you want to preserve the line.

6. 6Feeding and Health Checks

   Feed small granular food made for medaka in small portions, and give only what they finish. At each feeding, check whether any fish are holding their fins clamped, swimming sluggishly, or showing changes on the body. Moving a fish that concerns you to a separate container to observe it helps protect the others.

7. 7Welcoming Them Home

   When the fish arrive, float the bag in the container to match the temperature, then add small amounts of tank water to acclimate them. They may seem unsettled after the change, so leave them quiet for the first few days and feed lightly. Preparing the container and water beforehand makes the arrival go smoothly.

Frequently asked questions about Atsuhime Medaka

Q.Is Atsuhime suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, its care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly. If you follow the basics of dechlorinated water, small water changes, and moderate feeding, it is an easy variety to keep. Because the fins are the appeal, it helps to avoid strong currents and rough netting that could damage them.

Q.How big does Atsuhime get?

A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. It is a small medaka, so a small container is enough for Atsuhime.

Q.How long does Atsuhime live?

A.There is little documentation on its lifespan, so we cannot give a reliable estimate. Water quality, temperature, and feeding all affect a fish's health, so regular daily observation is important.

Q.Can it live with other medaka or fish?

A.Medaka with a similar gentle temperament usually share a container well. Avoid pairing them with large or aggressive fish that could eat them. Breeding alongside other strains may dilute Atsuhime's characteristics, so a separate container is recommended if you want to keep the line pure.

Q.How did this variety come about?

A.It is a vermilion-red, transparent-scaled variety developed in the hikari body type by Yukio Oba in 2009. The line emphasizes "hire-bi," or fins that carry color, and its tail fin turns vermilion red.

Useful tools for Atsuhime Medaka care

Learn more about Atsuhime Medaka in the encyclopedia

More in this category