Kizakura Medaka
Kizakura Medaka is an improved medaka variety featuring a striking two-tone pattern of yellow and white, accented with fine glitter scales. It was developed in 2017 by Seiji Tarumi and is also affectionately known as "Kizakura Rame." Its signature look comes from the partial expression of yellow chromatophores beneath translucent scales, creating a distinctive two-color pattern that shifts appearance depending on the light. Reaching about 4cm at maximum standard length, it's a typically sized medaka considered suitable for beginners, making it a great choice for those just starting out. Since the pattern varies from fish to fish, each individual offers its own unique charm.
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- Scale Type
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Kizakura Medaka key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- Up to about 4cm SL
- Temperature
- 18〜28℃
- Diet
- Prepared medaka food, green water
- Lighting
- The glitter and the two-tone pattern show best from above, so viewing from the top in a dark container suits this variety. Outdoors, guard against summer overheating with shade such as a reed screen.
- 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
- Semi-transparent scale is an expression midway between normal and transparent scale, identified by visual comparison. Outdoors the fish become inactive and overwinter near the bottom as water cools, resuming activity in spring once daytime water exceeds 10C. A 0.3-0.5% salt bath is used for ailing fish, with water raised to no more than about 28C.
About Kizakura Medaka
Kizakura Medaka is an improved variety with a yellow-and-white two-tone pattern and fine glitter scales, developed in 2017. Beginner-friendly and grows to about 4cm.
7 things to know before welcoming a Kizakura Medaka
1Pattern Varies by Individual
Because the two-tone pattern results from the partial expression of yellow chromatophores, no two Kizakura look exactly alike. The pattern's appearance can also shift as the fish matures, adding to the enjoyment of raising one.
2Beginner-Friendly Care Level
Kizakura Medaka is considered easy to keep, making it approachable even for first-time medaka owners. That said, sudden changes in water quality or temperature can still stress the fish, so consistent basic care is important.
3Standard Size, Up to 4cm
Adults reach a maximum standard length of about 4cm, a typical size for medaka. Use this as a guide when planning tank or container size and the number of fish to keep together.
4Glitter Shifts with Light
The fine glitter scales catch and reflect light differently depending on the angle of sunlight or aquarium lighting. Thoughtful placement of the container or lighting setup can bring out the fish's sparkle even more.
5Compatibility with Tankmates
Kizakura Medaka is generally a calm, peaceful fish. If housing it with other species, choose tankmates of similar size and temperament. Avoid overcrowding and sudden water quality changes, as both can cause stress.
6Preparing the Environment Before Arrival
Before bringing a Kizakura home, make sure the tank or container's water quality is established and temperature is reasonably stable. Acclimate the fish gradually to its new environment and avoid abrupt changes.
7Daily Health Checks Through Observation
Regularly observing swimming behavior, appetite, and the coloring of the pattern and glitter is the foundation of good health monitoring. If anything seems off, review water quality and tank conditions promptly.
Frequently asked questions about Kizakura Medaka
- Q.What kind of pattern does Kizakura Medaka have?
- A.It's an improved medaka variety with a two-tone yellow-and-white pattern accented by fine glitter scales, created by the partial expression of yellow chromatophores beneath translucent scales. The exact pattern varies from fish to fish.
- Q.Is Kizakura Medaka suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly. That said, it's sensitive to sudden changes in water quality or temperature, so consistent basic care is recommended.
- Q.How large does Kizakura Medaka grow?
- A.It reaches a maximum standard length of about 4cm, a typical size for medaka that can guide your planning for tank or container space.
- Q.When was Kizakura Medaka developed?
- A.It was developed in 2017 by Seiji Tarumi and is also known by the nickname "Kizakura Rame."
- Q.Is Kizakura Medaka subject to any regulations?
- A.Kizakura Medaka is not subject to CITES.
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