Midnight Frill
Midnight Frill medaka are prized for retaining a deep, solid black coloration regardless of tank background — a trait that doesn't fade or lighten with the surroundings. Their long, dramatically rippling fins create a striking contrast against the jet-black body, giving the fish an elegant, flowing silhouette as it swims. Temperamentally calm, they mix well with other medaka. However, maintaining their rich color and fin shape calls for careful attention to water quality and selective breeding, which is why this variety is considered suitable for experienced keepers. Adults typically reach 3-4cm in length, with a lifespan of around 2-3 years. It's an excellent choice for hobbyists who already have some medaka-keeping experience and want to appreciate the interplay of jet-black color and flowing fins.
View Midnight Frill encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
9 Transparency Commitments from Br-Choku
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)
Midnight Frill key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- Body length 3-4cm
- Temperature
- 15〜28℃
- Diet
- Mainly prepared feed, supplemented with live food (brine shrimp, daphnia); fine powdered food for fry.
- Coloration & Traits
- A jet-black body that ignores its background, with dorsal and anal rays extended into frill-like, rippling fins; body-luster, lamé and jet-black types are known.
- Care Tips
- Can be kept outdoors; viewed from above in a dark tub, the jet-black body and fin shadows stand out even more.
- Water Quality & Temperature
- Keep around 15-28°C; avoid summer overheating and sudden changes, and keep water stable.
- Breeding
- It can breed, but long-finned parents spawn poorly, so use younger fish and line-breed from parents with well-formed frilled fins.
- Cautions
- The extended fins are easily nipped and damaged; avoid overcrowding and keep it spaciously to maintain condition.
About Midnight Frill
Midnight Frill medaka combine deep black coloration with dramatic, rippling fins. Learn about their traits, care difficulty, lifespan, size, and what to know before bringing one home.
Featured breeders for Midnight Frill
See all Midnight Frill breeders (1) →7 things to know before welcoming a Midnight Frill
1Best for Experienced Keepers
Midnight Frill medaka require some know-how to maintain their deep black color and fin shape, which is why this variety is considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than first-time medaka owners.
2Holds Black Regardless of Tank
Unlike most medaka, whose color shifts with the tank's background, this variety doesn't respond to background color and keeps its deep black hue no matter the environment — a defining trait of the breed.
3Caring for the Flowing Fins
The long, rippling fins are stunning to look at but delicate — they can be damaged by poor water quality or contact with tankmates. Regular water changes and careful tankmate selection help keep them intact.
4Adults Reach 3-4cm
Fully grown individuals typically measure 3-4cm in body length. With their flowing fins spread out, they often look larger and more elegant than their actual size suggests.
5Lifespan Around 2-3 Years
Under proper care, Midnight Frill medaka typically live 2-3 years. Keeping water temperature and quality stable is key to enjoying their striking appearance for as long as possible.
6Prepare the Tank in Advance
To fully appreciate the jet-black body and elegant fins, set up a stable, cycled tank before bringing your medaka home. Establishing good filtration ahead of time makes the transition smoother.
7Individuals Vary in Coloring
Even within the same variety, the depth of black and the degree of fin rippling can vary from fish to fish. It's a good idea to check actual photos and condition before choosing one.
Frequently asked questions about Midnight Frill
- Q.Can it be kept with other medaka?
- A.Yes, Midnight Frill medaka are generally calm and can be mixed with other medaka. That said, their long fins are delicate, so avoid housing them with aggressive fish or small crustaceans that might nip at them.
- Q.Can the black color fade over time?
- A.This variety doesn't respond to background color, so it tends to hold its black tone well. That said, water quality and the fish's condition can affect how deep the color appears, so a stable environment helps maintain it.
- Q.Is it difficult for beginners to keep?
- A.This variety is considered suitable for experienced keepers, since maintaining its color and fin shape takes some know-how. It's best to gain some general medaka-keeping experience before taking one on.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach 3-4cm in body length. With their long, flowing fins, they often appear even larger and more elegant than that measurement suggests.
- Q.Is it subject to any wildlife trade regulations?
- A.Midnight Frill medaka are not subject to CITES.
Useful tools for Midnight Frill care
Learn more about Midnight Frill in the encyclopedia
View Midnight Frill 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.