Maou
Maou is one of the most recognized black-bodied medaka varieties, carrying bloodlines from the Orochi line that give it a deep, jet-black coloration. Its glossy black body shifts subtly with the angle of light, creating a striking presence when kept in a group. Temperament-wise, it is calm and gets along well with other medaka in a community tank. As it matures, the black coloration tends to deepen and become more even across the body, rewarding patient keepers. Rated as beginner-friendly, Maou is often the variety newcomers choose as their first step into black-colored medaka.
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- Variety Name
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- Body Type
- Scale Type
- Size
- Origin
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Maou key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- 3-4cm
- Temperature
- 5〜30℃
- Diet
- Medaka pellets, daphnia
- Container
- White container makes jet-black body color stand out
- Temperature
- 5-30°C (optimal 20-28°C)
- Feeding
- High-nutrition feed maintains black color
- Notes
- Beware of high temperatures. Shade required in summer
About Maou
Maou is a leading black-bodied medaka variety with a striking Orochi-line jet-black color, popular among beginners for its ease of care.
7 things to know before welcoming a Maou
1The appeal of jet-black coloration
Maou's defining trait is its deep black color inherited from the Orochi line. The intensity and texture of the black can appear to shift depending on lighting and tank background, so experimenting with viewing angles and lighting brings out its best look.
2Expected adult size
Adults typically reach about 3 to 4 cm in length, which is a standard size for medaka. This makes it easy to add Maou to an existing medaka tank and to plan tank space accordingly.
3Lifespan and long-term care
The expected lifespan is around 2 to 3 years. Keeping water temperature and quality stable helps Maou maintain its striking black coloration throughout this period, so it's worth approaching as a companion you'll care for over the medium term.
4Beginner-friendly by nature
Maou is classified as beginner-friendly, meaning basic medaka-keeping knowledge is enough to raise it without difficulty. It is also a popular first choice for those trying black-colored medaka for the first time.
5Notes on keeping with tankmates
Its calm temperament makes it easy to keep alongside other medaka varieties. Pairing it with differently colored varieties can also create an appealing contrast that highlights its black coloration, which is worth considering when planning a tank layout.
6Tank environment and sunlight
The depth of black coloration can be influenced by exposure to sunlight and UV light. Appearance may differ between outdoor and indoor keeping, so observing how the color changes with your specific setup adds to the enjoyment.
7What to prepare before bringing Maou home
Before bringing Maou home, it helps to have basic setup ready — a tank or outdoor container, a filter, dechlorinated water, and some aquatic plants to help stabilize water quality. Take care to acclimate them gradually to their new environment.
Frequently asked questions about Maou
- Q.Can beginners keep Maou medaka?
- A.Yes, Maou is classified as beginner-friendly. With basic medaka-keeping knowledge, you can start raising them without difficulty.
- Q.What is the lifespan of Maou medaka?
- A.The expected lifespan is around 2 to 3 years. Keeping water temperature and quality stable helps them stay healthy throughout this period.
- Q.How large does Maou grow as an adult?
- A.Adults typically reach about 3 to 4 cm, a standard size for medaka, making them easy to add to an existing tank.
- Q.What is the origin of the name "Maou"?
- A.Maou is a leading black-bodied medaka variety, and its name reflects the jet-black coloration inherited from the Orochi line. Its deep black gives it a striking, commanding presence.
- Q.Is Maou subject to any regulations?
- A.Maou is not subject to CITES. There is no special regulation to be concerned about.
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Learn more about Maou in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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