Koutei

Koutei key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Temperature

5〜30℃

Diet

Medaka pellets, daphnia

Container & Tank

A black container brings out the deep crimson best. An outdoor water-lily bowl is also ideal.

Lighting

Keeping it outdoors in sunlight deepens the body color further, so place it in a sunny spot.

Water Temperature & Quality

Adapts to 5-30°C (ideally 18-24°C) and neutral to slightly alkaline water and is easy to keep. Can overwinter outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Combining red color-enhancing food rich in astaxanthin and carotenoids maintains and strengthens the coloration.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Breeding is easy, much as with Yang Guifei medaka. Pairing the most deeply colored fish maintains quality.

About Koutei

Koutei is a medaka variety bred from Youkihi with deeper, more vivid crimson-red color that intensifies outdoors. Best for intermediate keepers; adults reach 3-4 cm and live 2-3 years.

7 things to know before welcoming a Koutei

1. 1Colors Deepen Outdoors

   Koutei's crimson-red color becomes noticeably richer when the fish are kept outdoors under natural sunlight. They can also be kept indoors, but a sunny outdoor tub or water-lily bowl brings out the deepest color.

2. 2Best For Intermediate Keepers

   Koutei is generally considered suitable for keepers with some prior medaka experience. Basic water quality management and familiarity with medaka care make it easier to keep their coloring stable over time.

3. 3Color Intensity Varies

   Color depth is considered the key quality marker for Koutei, and individual fish can vary noticeably in how deep their red coloring is. It's worth checking the actual coloring of each fish before bringing one home.

4. 4Calm And Sociable

   Koutei have a calm temperament and generally do well alongside other medaka in the same tank or outdoor tub. They're still sensitive to sudden water changes, so acclimate them carefully whenever introducing them to a new environment.

5. 5Lifespan Of 2-3 Years

   Koutei typically live around 2 to 3 years. Actual lifespan varies with water temperature and quality, so it helps to set up a stable environment with their long-term care in mind.

6. 6Adults Reach 3-4 cm

   Adult Koutei grow to about 3 to 4 cm. Give them a reasonably sized container and keep the number of fish appropriate to avoid overcrowding.

7. 7Prepare Before Bringing Home

   Before bringing Koutei home, set up your tank or outdoor tub and filtration in advance so the water has time to stabilize. When introducing them, acclimate them gradually to avoid sudden changes in water conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Koutei

Q.What's the difference between Koutei and Youkihi?

A.Koutei is a variety developed by further refining Youkihi, resulting in a deeper, more intense crimson-red color. Both tend to color up nicely outdoors, but Koutei's red runs noticeably deeper.

Q.Is Koutei suitable for beginners?

A.Koutei is generally considered better suited to keepers with some prior experience. Basic medaka-keeping knowledge helps you maintain their coloring while keeping them healthy.

Q.Is outdoor or indoor keeping better?

A.Koutei's crimson-red color tends to come out more vividly when kept outdoors under natural sunlight. Indoor keeping works too, but a sunny outdoor setup is recommended if you want to bring out the deepest color.

Q.Can Koutei be kept with other medaka?

A.Yes, Koutei has a calm temperament and generally does well alongside other medaka. Just acclimate them carefully when introducing them to avoid sudden changes in water conditions.

Q.How big do they get and how long do they live?

A.Adult Koutei typically reach about 3 to 4 cm and live around 2 to 3 years. Actual size and lifespan can vary somewhat depending on care and environment.

Useful tools for Koutei care

Learn more about Koutei in the encyclopedia

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