Mikan Medaka
Mikan is a showy medaka with an orange body and strong sparkle that scatters across it when seen from above. The name comes from the way the glittering flecks on the orange base resemble the grains of a mikan, or mandarin orange. It was developed in 2020 by Hoshida Medaka (Kazuaki Senoo) in Okayama Prefecture, and its care difficulty is listed as beginner-friendly. It is a small medaka. Looking down into a tank or outdoor container shows the sparkle at its best. Color depth and the spread of the sparkle vary from fish to fish, so check the photos on each listing.
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- Variety Name
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- Actual Photos
- Color Classification
- Body Type
- Scale Type
- Size
- Origin
- Age/Generation
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Mikan 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
- Glitter is strongest from above, so it suits outdoor containers viewed from above.
- Breeding
- Choose solid-orange fish with plenty of glitter as breeders; spotted fish may appear.
- 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 Mikan Medaka
Mikan medaka has an orange body with strong sparkle seen from above, created in 2020 by Hoshida Medaka. Small and beginner-friendly. Traits, care tips and FAQ.
7 things to know before welcoming a Mikan Medaka
1Sparkle From Above
Mikan's main appeal is the strong sparkle that scatters across its orange body when seen from above. A container that lets you look down at the fish in bright light shows it best. Color depth and how the sparkle spreads vary between individuals, so check the photos on each listing.
2Beginner-Friendly
Our species guide lists its care difficulty as beginner-friendly. Even so, don't rely on hardiness alone. Steady basics such as regular water changes and measured feeding matter most.
3Setting Up Housing
Mikan can be kept in an indoor tank or an outdoor container. Although it is a small medaka, a container with generous water volume works well. Add plants or hiding spots, and dechlorinate tap water before use.
4Temperament and Tankmates
Medaka are generally gentle fish, though individuals differ. Avoid keeping them with large or very active fish, and pair them with medaka of a similar size, which tends to keep the tank calmer.
5Avoid Overcrowding
Even small fish foul the water quickly when too many share a container. Keep numbers modest for the water volume, and feed only what they can finish.
6Daily Observation
At feeding time, check how the fish swim, whether they eat, and how their bodies look. If listlessness or loss of appetite continues, review the water quality and move the fish to a separate container to watch them.
7Acclimating on Arrival
On arrival, float the bag on the water surface to match temperatures, then add small amounts of tank water before releasing the fish. Sudden changes in temperature or water quality are stressful, so take your time.
Frequently asked questions about Mikan Medaka
- Q.Why is it called Mikan?
- A.The glittering sparkle on its orange body resembles the grains of a mikan (mandarin orange). It was developed in 2020 by Hoshida Medaka (Kazuaki Senoo) in Okayama Prefecture.
- Q.Can a beginner keep Mikan?
- A.Our species guide lists its care difficulty as beginner-friendly. If you keep up the basics, such as water changes and feeding, it is a reasonable choice for a first medaka.
- Q.How large do adults get?
- A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. It is a small medaka. There is some variation depending on the individual and its environment.
- Q.How long does Mikan live?
- A.There is little documentation on Mikan's lifespan, so we cannot give a reliable figure. Stable water quality and appropriate feeding are the foundation for keeping any medaka healthy over the long term.
- Q.Does the sparkle differ between individuals?
- A.Color depth and how the sparkle appears can differ from fish to fish. Check the photos and description on the listing, and message the breeder if you have questions.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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