Kotohime Medaka
Kotohime is a medaka with a strongly reddish amber body, transparent scales and the hikari body type. Black rims around the scales sharpen its outline, and vivid fin coloring adds to its refined look. The variety was developed by crossing Beniazami with a vermilion-red amber transparent-scale line, and it is a small medaka. It is considered beginner-friendly, which makes it a good first fancy medaka, and it is a pleasure to watch from above in a tank or an outdoor container. Little reliable information exists on its lifespan, so it is best to watch each fish's condition as you care for it.
View Kotohime Medaka encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 9 Transparency Commitments
Each Medaka listing includes the following from Breeder. Full transparency on color variations (Yokihi/Miyuki/Lame) and lineage guaranteed.
- Variety Name
- Lineage
- Actual Photos
- Color Classification
- Body Type
- Scale Type
- Size
- Origin
- Age/Generation
Browse all 145 breeds
Color
Scale Type
Verified breeders wanted for Medaka
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Kotohime Medaka key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Few reliable data
- 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
- Fin colour and black rims can be enjoyed from the side or above.
- Breeding
- Siblings include hikari and normal bodies; choose reddish-amber breeders with strong rims and fin colour.
- 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 Kotohime Medaka
Kotohime medaka: a beginner-friendly variety with a reddish amber body, transparent black-rimmed scales and vivid fins, and a small fish. Traits and care tips.
7 things to know before welcoming a Kotohime Medaka
1Its distinctive look
Kotohime combines a strongly reddish amber body with transparent scales and the hikari body type, and each scale is edged in black. How the color and black rims appear can change with lighting, background and individual variation. Look closely at the photos on the listing to check that the look suits you.
2Beginner-friendly
Its care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly, so it is a reasonable choice as a first fancy medaka. Sudden water changes and overcrowding still put stress on the fish, so consistent basic care matters.
3Size and container
Adults stay small. Choose a container with room for the number of fish, and use a lid or net to prevent jumping. Pick a spot where direct sun will not overheat the water.
4Temperament and tankmates
Medaka are generally peaceful, and keeping several together lets you enjoy them swimming as a group. Avoid tankmates that nip fins or that are large enough to swallow a medaka. Since the fin coloring is a highlight of Kotohime, choose its companions carefully.
5Water and water changes
Do water changes in small amounts with dechlorinated water rather than all at once. When a new fish arrives, float the bag to match the temperature, then acclimate it gradually before moving it in.
6Feeding and health checks
Feed only what the fish finish, so the water stays clean. Watching them daily helps you notice changes such as sluggish movement, folded fins or a lack of appetite. If something seems off, moving the fish to a separate container and asking the seller for advice is one option.
7Getting ready
It is reassuring to have the container, a jump-preventing lid and dechlorinated water ready before the fish arrive. Read the listing for details on color, size and shipping, and ask the seller about anything unclear.
Frequently asked questions about Kotohime Medaka
- Q.Can beginners keep Kotohime?
- A.Yes, its care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly. With small, regular water changes, daily observation and a sensible number of fish, it is approachable even for first-time keepers.
- Q.How big do adults get?
- A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. It is a small medaka. They are small, but still need a container sized for the number of fish and a lid to prevent jumping.
- Q.How long does Kotohime live?
- A.Little reliable information is available on Kotohime's lifespan, so no definite figure can be given. It varies with the environment and the individual, so good water management and daily observation are the best way to keep them healthy.
- Q.Can it live with other medaka or fish?
- A.Other medaka are usually easy tankmates, but a large size difference can lead to smaller fish being eaten. Avoid fin-nipping or large fish. If you plan to breed, keep in mind that housing other varieties together can lead to crossing and mixed-looking offspring.
- Q.Do the red tone and black rims always look the same?
- A.Their appearance changes with lighting, background, container and the individual fish. Check the photos on the listing, and ask the seller if anything concerns you.
Useful tools for Kotohime Medaka care
Learn more about Kotohime Medaka in the encyclopedia
View Kotohime Medaka encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.