Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka

Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

2-3 years

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

Glitter and persimmon colour are mostly enjoyed from above; sunny outdoor containers are said to help colour.

Breeding

Being from Yozakura, other colours can appear among siblings; choose breeders with strong persimmon colour and plenty of glitter.

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 Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka

Kakiiro Yozakura medaka: a fixed persimmon-orange strain of Yozakura with black and orange coloring, translucent scales and sparkle. Small and beginner-friendly.

7 things to know before welcoming a Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka

1. 1Black and orange coloring

   Its body carries two colors, black and orange (kakiiro), along with translucent scales and lame sparkle. The shimmer changes with the light, so it is worth watching in a bright spot. It looks different when viewed from above and from the side, and both views are enjoyable.

2. 2Color varies by fish

   Even in a fixed strain, the balance of orange and black and the amount of lame can differ between individuals. Check the color in the listing photos, and ask the breeder by message if anything is unclear. The look may also shift after arrival as the fish grows or its environment changes.

3. 3Setting up the container

   As a small medaka, it can live in an aquarium, a plastic tub, or a lotus bowl. Strong filter currents can stress medaka, so keep the water flow gentle. Use dechlorinated tap water, and add plants or hiding spots to help the fish settle.

4. 4Tankmates and crossbreeding

   Medaka are gentle shoaling fish, so they usually get along with other medaka of similar size. However, breeding them with other varieties in the same container may produce young that lose the kakiiro look. If you want to keep the color, house Kakiiro Yozakura on their own.

5. 5Feed in small amounts

   Give fine-grained food that fits their small mouths, and only as much as they can finish. Leftovers foul the water, so avoid overfeeding. Watching them every day for changes in swimming or appetite helps you notice problems early.

6. 6Watch for temperature swings

   Medaka are hardy, but sudden temperature changes and poor water quality put a strain on them. In summer, provide shade so direct sun does not overheat the water, and if you keep them outdoors in winter, plan ways to keep the surface from freezing over. Change only part of the water at a time rather than all of it.

7. 7Acclimating on arrival

   When the fish arrives, float the bag in the container to match the temperature, then add small amounts of tank water to help it adjust. Until it settles in, avoid bright light, loud noise, and frequent maintenance. Start with a small amount of food and increase it as you see how the fish is doing.

Frequently asked questions about Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka

Q.Can beginners keep Kakiiro Yozakura?

A.Its care level is rated beginner-friendly, so it suits people keeping medaka for the first time. With a suitable container, dechlorinated water, gentle flow, and careful feeding, the basic care is not difficult.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. It is a small medaka. It is small enough to keep in an aquarium or a lotus bowl. Some variation between individuals is normal.

Q.Can I keep it with other medaka varieties?

A.Medaka of similar size generally get along well. But breeding with other varieties in the same container can produce young that lose the kakiiro look. Tiny fry may also be eaten by adults, so separate containers are safer if you want to keep the color or raise the fry.

Q.How long does it live?

A.There is little documentation on the lifespan of Kakiiro Yozakura, so we cannot give a definite figure. Stable water quality and temperature, moderate feeding, and daily observation are the basics for keeping it healthy over the long term.

Q.Does its color change as it grows?

A.Color varies by individual, and its appearance can change with growth, environment, and lighting. Comparing it with the photos from when it arrived is part of the fun. The color and brightness of the container also affect how it looks, so try a setup that shows it the way you like.

Useful tools for Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka care

Learn more about Kakiiro Yozakura Medaka in the encyclopedia

More in this category