Clear Brown Medaka

Clear Brown Medaka key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

Up to about 4cm SL

Temperature

18〜28℃

Diet

Prepared medaka food, green water

Lighting

Kept in a dark container the amber tone comes out clearly. As a hikari-type fish it colours on the dorsal side, so it reads well from above. The Medaka Web Encyclopedia recommends outdoor keeping and suggests shading half the container in summer.

Diet & Nutrition

Commercial prepared medaka food is the staple, given in an amount finished within a few minutes. Leftovers decay and foul the water, so adjust the quantity. Green water rich in phytoplankton suits fry rearing.

Water Temperature & Quality

Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water is considered ideal, and the water drifts toward acidic as keeping continues. Around one water change per week is the guideline, and because sudden shifts in temperature or pH cause stress, acclimatise new fish by floating the bag. FishBase records the wild water chemistry of this species as pH 7.0-8.0 and hardness 9-19 dH.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

A peaceful schooling fish, normally kept as a group of the same variety. One litre of water per fish is the guideline against overcrowding; overstocking causes poor growth, reduced breeding, oxygen shortage and water fouling.

Breeding

Outdoors the spawning season runs from about April to October, once water reaches 18C or above with 12-13 hours of daylight. For year-round indoor breeding, 25-28C water and over 13 hours of lighting are the guideline. Eggs hatch at a cumulative 250 degree-days, about 10 days at 25C.

Health & Notes

White, yellow and aurora fish turn up among the offspring, so select on the amber tone and the black rim. Fish without the black rim, or of the standard body type, are also sometimes sold as clear brown, so check what a line actually shows when acquiring fish.

About Clear Brown Medaka

Clear Brown Medaka is a Hikari-type variety with translucent scales and black-rimmed edges over a golden body, prized for its aurora-gene amber glow and its role as ancestor to many black-rim lines.

7 things to know before welcoming a Clear Brown Medaka

1. 1A Coloring That Shifts With Light

   The amber sheen of Clear Brown shifts depending on the angle of light and the fish's daily condition, so its glassy warmth looks slightly different moment to moment. Watching the same fish take on new expressions from different angles is part of the appeal.

2. 2Why It Suits Experienced Keepers

   Keeping its color and pattern looking their best takes some ongoing attention to water quality and light conditions, which is why this variety is generally recommended for keepers with some prior experience. If you're new to medaka, it helps to get comfortable with the basics first.

3. 3The Hikari Body Type

   As a Hikari-type, Clear Brown has a fin on its underside that mirrors the dorsal fin, giving it striking top-to-bottom symmetry when viewed from the side. A tank that allows side viewing, not just a view from above, makes it easier to appreciate this feature.

4. 4Translucent Scales Meet Black Rims

   The pairing of semi-translucent scales with black-rimmed edges creates a contrast of soft transparency and crisp outline that's distinctive to this variety. Depth of color varies a little from fish to fish, which makes comparing individuals part of the fun.

5. 5A Compact Adult Size

   Even as adults, Clear Brown stays compact at around 4 cm in standard body length, making it manageable in modest setups. Just be sure to match container size and water volume to the number of fish so they aren't overcrowded.

6. 6Prepare the Environment First

   Since this variety calls for a bit more experience, having stable water quality and temperature ready before your fish arrives helps reduce stress from the move. Plan your container and water volume around its roughly 4 cm adult size, with a little extra room to spare.

7. 7A Variety With Breeding History

   Clear Brown is the ancestor of many black-rim strains, giving it real significance in the history of medaka breeding. Knowing that background can add another layer of appreciation to keeping one.

Frequently asked questions about Clear Brown Medaka

Q.Can beginners keep Clear Brown Medaka?

A.The basic care routine isn't much different from other medaka, but keeping its color and pattern looking their best takes a bit more attention to water quality and lighting, which is why it's positioned for keepers with some experience. Getting comfortable with basic medaka care first is a good starting point.

Q.How big does Clear Brown Medaka get as an adult?

A.Fully grown, Clear Brown reaches around 4 cm in standard body length. That's in line with other medaka varieties, so it stays manageable even in a modest-sized container.

Q.Does its color change depending on conditions?

A.The glassy amber tone can look a little different depending on the light and the fish's day-to-day condition. Since the same fish can look different from one angle or setting to another, that variability is part of what makes it interesting to keep.

Q.Can it be kept together with other medaka varieties?

A.Medaka are generally mild-mannered, and Clear Brown is no exception, so mixing with other varieties is typically fine. That said, if you're hoping to preserve its color line through breeding, it's best kept separate from other varieties for that purpose.

Q.Are there any legal regulations on Clear Brown Medaka?

A.Clear Brown Medaka is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Clear Brown Medaka care

Learn more about Clear Brown Medaka in the encyclopedia

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