Momo Medaka

Momo Medaka key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

Up to about 4cm SL

Temperature

18〜28℃

Diet

Prepared medaka food, green water

Lighting

The rounded shape of the anal fin only reads from the side, so a glass tank viewed from the side suits this variety well. Outdoors, guard against summer overheating from direct sun.

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

Narrow fin brings no reduction in egg yield and no difficulty in sexing the fish, and its fixation rate is said to exceed 70 percent. 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

Blotching responds to background, so the black markings look faint in a pale container or other bright surroundings. Outdoors the fish become inactive and overwinter near the bottom as water cools, resuming activity in spring once daytime water exceeds 10C. A 0.3-0.5% salt bath is used for ailing fish, with water raised to no more than about 28C.

About Momo Medaka

Momo Medaka is an improved variety combining a narrow anal fin, white-and-vermillion-red glitter coloring, and long, flowing fins. Certified in 2022 as the Japan Medaka Association's 37th new variety, it suits keepers with some experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Momo Medaka

1. 1The Narrow Fin Trait

   Momo is defined by its narrow fin trait, where the anal fin is only about half the width of a standard medaka's. Placed side by side with other varieties, the difference in fin shape is immediately clear.

2. 2Paired With Long Fins

   Momo combines the narrow fin trait with long fins, so its fins trail gracefully with every stroke. Because long fins can catch on sharp decorations, it's worth choosing a tank layout with soft, rounded elements.

3. 3White-and-Vermillion Glitter Pattern

   A blend of white and vermillion-red glitter spots shimmers across the body, shifting in appearance depending on the light. As with many improved medaka, the exact pattern varies from fish to fish, which is part of the fun.

4. 4Choosing Tankmates Carefully

   Because its fins are long and eye-catching, it's best to avoid tankmates known for fin-nipping. Pairing Momo with others of its own kind or with calm-tempered varieties helps keep its fins intact.

5. 5Stocking Density and Adult Size

   Even fully grown, Momo stays compact, reaching a standard body length of about 4 cm at most. That said, overcrowding can stress the fins and degrade water quality, so keep stocking density matched to your tank's water volume.

6. 6An Intermediate-Level Variety

   Momo's care difficulty is generally rated as intermediate. Beyond the basics of medaka keeping, it calls for regular attention to fin condition and water quality changes.

7. 7Preparing the Tank Before Arrival

   Before bringing Momo home, take time to acclimate it slowly and have a tank with already-stable water quality ready. Choosing soft plants and layout pieces without sharp edges helps protect its fins from damage.

Frequently asked questions about Momo Medaka

Q.What makes Momo Medaka distinctive?

A.Momo is an improved medaka variety that combines three traits: a narrow anal fin about half the usual width, a white-and-vermillion-red glitter pattern, and long fins. It was introduced in 2022 by breeder Takayasu Ooba and registered as the Japan Medaka Association's 37th new variety.

Q.Is Momo suitable for beginners?

A.Momo is generally considered an intermediate-level variety. Alongside basic medaka care, it requires attention to fin condition and water quality changes, so it's best approached after you already have some medaka-keeping experience.

Q.How large does Momo grow?

A.As an adult, Momo reaches a standard body length of up to about 4 cm. Including its fins, it can appear slightly larger.

Q.Can Momo be kept with other medaka?

A.Since its fins are long and prominent, it's safer to avoid tankmates that tend to nip fins. Pairing it with calm-tempered varieties makes peaceful cohabitation easier to achieve.

Q.Is Momo Medaka covered by CITES?

A.No, Momo Medaka is not covered by CITES.

Useful tools for Momo Medaka care

Learn more about Momo Medaka in the encyclopedia

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