Hyakushiki
Hyakushiki is a striking medaka variety with a golden body and shimmering metallic scales. Its name comes from the Hyakushiki mobile suit in the Gundam franchise, and the fish lives up to that name with a brilliant golden sheen when viewed from above, especially under sunlight. Hyakushiki tend to have a fairly calm temperament and get along well with other medaka in a community setup. As adults they reach about 3-4cm and typically live 2-3 years, both fairly standard figures for the species. Care difficulty is generally rated intermediate, so having some prior medaka-keeping experience helps in maintaining their vivid color and shine. Whether in an outdoor water garden or a small indoor tank, Hyakushiki works well across a range of setups.
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Hyakushiki key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- 3-4cm
- Diet
- Medaka pellets
- Container & Tank
- In a shallow top-viewing bowl the gold body and lame reflect sunlight brilliantly. A dark container sharpens the gold contrast.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Adapts to 5-30°C and neutral to slightly alkaline water and is easy to keep. Avoid sudden water changes.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Easy to breed with many eggs. Lame density and gold coloration are maintained and improved by pairing fish with abundant lame.
- Health & Cautions
- The gold deepens with growth, so do not judge young fish too early. For hikari-type fish, check the dorsal fin shape when selecting.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Gentle and fine with other peaceful varieties. Avoid housing it with aggressive fish.
About Hyakushiki
Hyakushiki is a golden medaka variety with shimmering metallic scales, prized for its brilliant top-down shine. Adults reach about 3-4cm and live around 2-3 years, and care is rated for intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hyakushiki
1Shines brightest from above
Hyakushiki shows its golden color best when viewed from directly above, so a shallow container or outdoor water garden often shows it off better than a tall tank. The way light hits the water also affects how vivid the shine looks.
2Best for experienced keepers
Hyakushiki is generally considered suited to keepers with some prior medaka experience. Understanding the basics of water changes and temperature management helps keep their color and health in good shape. It's a good choice once you're comfortable with general medaka care.
3Adult size of about 3-4cm
Fully grown Hyakushiki reach roughly 3-4cm in length, a fairly standard size for medaka. This means they don't require an especially large tank or outdoor setup. Keep this size in mind when choosing tankmates.
4Typical lifespan of 2-3 years
Hyakushiki typically live around 2-3 years. Consistent water quality management and seasonal care can help support their health over that time. Avoiding sudden temperature swings is also important.
5Calm and community-friendly
Hyakushiki tend to have a calm temperament and generally settle in well alongside other medaka. When introducing them to a new setup, acclimate them gradually with proper water matching to reduce stress.
6Easy feeding with standard food
Hyakushiki can be fed standard commercial medaka food without any special diet requirements. Overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality, so it's best to offer only what they finish in a few minutes, split across several feedings. Appetite also shifts naturally with the seasons.
7Prepare the environment beforehand
Before bringing Hyakushiki home, it helps to have your tank or water garden already stable in temperature and water quality. When introducing a new fish, take time to acclimate it properly to minimize stress from the change in environment.
Frequently asked questions about Hyakushiki
- Q.Where does the name "Hyakushiki" come from?
- A.The name is said to come from the Hyakushiki mobile suit in the Gundam franchise. Its golden, shimmering body evokes that mobile suit's iconic gold coloring, which inspired the name.
- Q.Is Hyakushiki suitable for beginners?
- A.Hyakushiki is generally rated as suited to keepers with some experience. It's easier to care for once you're already comfortable with basic medaka husbandry like water changes and temperature management.
- Q.How big does Hyakushiki grow?
- A.Adults typically reach about 3-4cm in length, which is a fairly standard size for medaka.
- Q.How long does Hyakushiki live?
- A.Their typical lifespan is around 2-3 years. Consistent water quality care and seasonal attention can influence how long they stay healthy.
- Q.Can Hyakushiki be kept with other medaka?
- A.Yes, their calm temperament makes them well-suited to a community tank with other medaka. When introducing them to a new environment, acclimate them gradually to reduce stress.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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