Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a medaka variety whose jet-black body is scattered with shimmering metallic scales, catching the light like stars twinkling in a night sky. It was developed by adding this glittering "lame" trait to the popular Orochi lineage of black medaka. Calm and easygoing by nature, it tolerates well and mixes easily with other medaka varieties, making it enjoyable to keep both in an outdoor biotope and in an indoor aquarium. The amount and brilliance of the sparkle varies from fish to fish and can shift in appearance as the fish matures, which is part of the fun of watching them grow. It's generally considered suited to keepers with some prior experience, but with attentive water changes and temperature management, it's a rewarding variety to take on as you build your medaka-keeping skills.
View Black Diamond encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
9 Transparency Commitments from Br-Choku
Each Medaka listing includes the following from Breeder. Full transparency on color variations (Yokihi/Miyuki/Lame) and lineage guaranteed.
- Variety Name
- Lineage
- Actual Photos
- Color Classification
- Body Type
- Scale Type
- Size
- Origin
- Age/Generation
Browse all 116 breeds
Color
Scale Type
Verified breeders wanted for Medaka
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Black Diamond key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- 3-4cm
- Diet
- Medaka pellets
- Container & Tank
- A black container makes the lame contrast stand out most. It has no camouflage response, so the black holds in any container.
- Lighting
- The lame sparkles in many colors under sunlight or LED lighting, so place it where light falls for viewing.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Grows robustly at 5-30°C in neutral to slightly alkaline water. Avoid sudden changes in water quality.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Lame quality depends on both genetics and rearing conditions, so select and pair parents with abundant lame.
- Notes
- Fixation rate somewhat low — patient selection needed
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Gentle and fine with other peaceful varieties. Avoid housing it with aggressive fish.
About Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a black-bodied medaka with sparkling metallic scales reminiscent of stars in a night sky. Bred from the popular Orochi lineage, it lives 2-3 years, reaches 3-4cm as an adult, and suits keepers with some experience.
7 things to know before welcoming a Black Diamond
1Water Changes & Quality
Keeping them in a dark-colored container is said to make the black body and sparkle stand out more. Regular water changes help prevent ammonia buildup, which can affect their health. In summer, watch for oxygen depletion caused by rising water temperatures.
2Sparkle Varies by Fish
The amount and brightness of the metallic sparkle differs from fish to fish, and its appearance can change as the fish grows. It helps to know beforehand that the sparkle you see at first may look a little different later on.
3Calm & Sociable
Black Diamond has a calm temperament and generally mixes well with other medaka varieties. Still, avoid pairing them with much larger or more aggressive fish, and monitor the tank after introducing new tankmates.
4Indoor or Outdoor Keeping
They can be kept either in an outdoor biotope or an indoor aquarium. For outdoor setups, prepare shade and a net to guard against sudden temperature swings and predators such as birds or cats.
5Easy Feeding Routine
Daily feeding is straightforward with formulated medaka food. During cooler months, reduce the frequency and amount to help avoid digestive trouble.
6Lifespan of 2-3 Years
Their typical lifespan is 2-3 years, reaching an adult size of about 3-4cm. Since you'll be caring for them over that span, aim to keep water temperature and quality stable.
7Prepare Before Bringing Home
Set up the tank or container, dechlorinated water, and a filter before bringing your medaka home. Acclimating them gradually to the new water helps reduce stress from the change in environment.
Frequently asked questions about Black Diamond
- Q.What kind of medaka is Black Diamond?
- A.Black Diamond is a variety bred by adding sparkling metallic scales to the popular Orochi lineage of black medaka. Its jet-black body scattered with sparkle resembles stars in a night sky.
- Q.Can it be kept with other medaka varieties?
- A.Yes, its calm temperament makes it suitable for mixing with other medaka varieties. That said, avoid pairing it with much larger or more aggressive fish, and keep an eye on the tank after combining them.
- Q.Is outdoor or indoor keeping better?
- A.Both outdoor biotopes and indoor aquariums work well. For outdoor keeping, adding shade and a net helps protect against sudden temperature changes and predators.
- Q.Why does the sparkle differ between individual fish?
- A.The amount and brightness of the sparkle naturally varies from fish to fish, and it can also change in appearance as the fish grows. The look it has when you bring it home isn't guaranteed to stay exactly the same.
- Q.Can a beginner keep Black Diamond medaka?
- A.It's generally considered suited to keepers with some experience, but a beginner can still take it on by carefully managing the basics like water changes and temperature. Having kept other medaka beforehand makes it easier to feel confident.
Useful tools for Black Diamond care
Learn more about Black Diamond in the encyclopedia
View Black Diamond encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.