Maihime (Orange Hikari) Medaka

Maihime (Orange Hikari) 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 strong light on the back shows well from above, and as a hikari-type fish it colours on the dorsal side too, so it also reads in a side-viewed tank. The Medaka Web Encyclopedia recommends outdoor keeping and suggests shading half the container in summer.

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

Colour and strong light are inherited reliably, but many fry are born with a bend in the body, so selection should concentrate on body shape. The orange colour sits between yellow and vermilion and never reaches true vermilion.

About Maihime (Orange Hikari) Medaka

Maihime (Orange Hikari) Medaka features vivid orange coloring and a Hikari body type with a shimmering line along its back. Named in 2006 as a color between yellow and vermilion, it's beginner-friendly and grows to about 4 cm.

7 things to know before welcoming a Maihime (Orange Hikari) Medaka

1. 1Understanding the Hikari Body Type

   The Hikari body type gives Maihime near-symmetrical dorsal and anal fins, with a lustrous line running along the back as well as the sides. Combined with its orange coloring, this makes the shine along the back even more pronounced than in typical orange medaka. The effect is especially striking when viewed from above in a water lily bowl or tall tank.

2. 2Where Its Color Fits In

   Orange sits exactly between yellow and vermilion tones, and this variety was the first to be given the color name orange by its breeder in 2006. Individual fish can lean slightly more yellow or more red, and the shade often deepens as the fish matures.

3. 3Easy to Keep

   Maihime (Orange Hikari) is rated as beginner-friendly. It adapts well to a range of setups, from outdoor water lily bowls to indoor aquariums, making it a good choice for first-time medaka keepers.

4. 4Expected Adult Size

   Adults reach roughly 4 cm in standard length. Young fish start out small, and their coloring and Hikari shine become more defined as they mature, so watching the gradual change is part of the enjoyment.

5. 5Water Changes and Water Quality

   Sudden changes in water quality can stress the fish, so change water gradually and in small amounts, letting temperature and chemistry adjust slowly. Take extra care with acclimation when first introducing them to a new tank.

6. 6Choosing Tankmates

   Maihime generally get along well with other calm medaka varieties. Avoid pairing them with much larger or more aggressive fish, which can damage the delicate fins characteristic of the Hikari body type.

7. 7Preparing Before You Bring Them Home

   Set up the tank or water lily bowl, filter, and plants before bringing your fish home for a smoother transition. If the spot gets a lot of direct sunlight, plan for some shade to avoid sudden water temperature spikes.

Frequently asked questions about Maihime (Orange Hikari) Medaka

Q.Is Maihime (Orange Hikari) suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's rated as a beginner-friendly variety. With basic water changes and water quality management, even first-time medaka keepers should find it manageable.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.Adults reach roughly 4 cm in standard length. Growth rate and final size can vary somewhat depending on the environment and the individual fish.

Q.What does the orange coloring mean for this variety?

A.It refers to a color that sits exactly between yellow and vermilion tones. This variety was the first to be given the name orange by its breeder in 2006.

Q.How does the Hikari body type differ from a standard medaka?

A.The Hikari body type has a lustrous line running along the back as well as the sides, along with distinctive dorsal and anal fin shapes. In Maihime, this combines with orange coloring for a distinctive shine.

Q.Can it be kept in an outdoor water lily bowl?

A.Yes, it adapts well to both indoor aquariums and outdoor water lily bowls. Just keep an eye on seasonal water temperature changes and monitor the fish's condition.

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