Hatsukoi Medaka
Hatsukoi is a medaka that takes the vermilion-red Yokihi and gives it a daruma body: short, rounded and compact, with a deep orange color. It was developed by Yukio Oba in 2005 and named after a hobbyist's remark that they had fallen in love with a medaka for the first time. Because of the daruma shape, adults are shorter than normal-bodied medaka. It is rated for intermediate keepers, and its lifespan is about 2 to 3 years, so it suits people who are already comfortable with basic medaka care.
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Hatsukoi Medaka key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- Shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma body (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
- Diet
- Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
- Container & Tank
- The orange-red colour shows well from above and from the side; outdoor sunlight is said to help colour.
- Breeding
- Fixation is about 50% or more and normal-bodied siblings appear; pair daruma-bodied fish as breeders.
- Health & Cautions
- The daruma body has a shortened spine and swims less strongly; avoid strong currents and make sure it gets its share of food.
- 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 Hatsukoi Medaka
Hatsukoi is a daruma-bodied version of the vermilion Yokihi medaka, created by Yukio Oba in 2005. A guide to its look, intermediate care level, size, and what to prepare before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hatsukoi Medaka
1Yokihi in a Daruma Body
Hatsukoi is the vermilion-red Yokihi bred into a daruma body shape. Its rounded, compact body carries a deep orange color, which gives a different impression from normal-bodied medaka. Adults are shorter than normal-bodied medaka because of the daruma shape.
2Origin and Name
Hatsukoi was developed by Yukio Oba in 2005 and named after a hobbyist's remark about falling in love with a medaka for the first time. Knowing this background can make the variety feel more personal. If you are curious about a particular fish's line or origin, ask the seller.
3Intermediate Level
Hatsukoi is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It suits people who already handle medaka care well and can keep up with water changes and careful feeding. If you are new to medaka, you might first gain experience with a normal-bodied variety before considering Hatsukoi.
4Tank and Water Flow
With its rounded, compact body, some individuals may find strong water flow hard to swim against. A container with a calm surface, or a filter set to gentle flow, makes it easier to watch how they behave. A wide container that lets you look down at the fish is also a good way to enjoy the deep orange color.
5Movement and Feeding
Daruma-bodied medaka are often described as moving more slowly than normal-bodied ones. Feed small amounts at a time, and watch whether every fish is getting food and whether leftovers are fouling the water.
6Lifespan and Health
Hatsukoi's lifespan is about 2 to 3 years. To enjoy it for as long as possible, check body color, swimming and appetite every day so that you notice changes early. If something looks off, check the water quality first and then consult an experienced keeper or the seller.
7Reading a Listing
Color depth, body roundness and size can differ from fish to fish. Use the photos and description on the listing to check how deep the orange is and how clearly the daruma shape shows. If anything is unclear, ask the seller through a message before you decide.
Frequently asked questions about Hatsukoi Medaka
- Q.Can beginners keep Hatsukoi?
- A.Hatsukoi is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It is safer to bring one home after you are comfortable with basic medaka water management and feeding. If you are unsure, you can start with a normal-bodied medaka to build experience.
- Q.What is the difference between Hatsukoi and Yokihi?
- A.Yokihi is a vermilion-red variety, and Hatsukoi is that variety bred into a daruma body shape. The difference is mainly the body form: Hatsukoi has a rounded, compact body with a deep orange color.
- Q.How long does Hatsukoi live?
- A.Its lifespan is about 2 to 3 years. It likely depends on the individual and its environment, so keep checking its condition through daily observation.
- Q.How large does an adult Hatsukoi get?
- A.Because of the daruma shape, adults are shorter than normal-bodied medaka. No specific figure can be given for Hatsukoi itself, so ask the seller if you want to know more.
- Q.Can Hatsukoi live with normal-bodied medaka?
- A.Mixing is not impossible, but daruma-bodied medaka tend to be slower, so food may not reach them easily. If you keep them together, watch how each fish eats and separate them if needed.
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Learn more about Hatsukoi Medaka in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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