Morpho Medaka

Morpho 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

Fin sheen covers the whole caudal fin, so the trait reads best from the side with the fin spread, while the external luminescence on the back is enjoyed from above. Outdoors, summer sun raises water temperature sharply, so shade half the container with something such as a reed screen.

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

Elongated fins are easily damaged by obstructions or crowding, so keep the container uncluttered and the stocking light. 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

The fanned caudal fin has a large surface and damages easily against sharp obstacles or strong flow, so keep the container uncluttered. Serrated fin tips are the trait itself and should be judged separately from split fins. 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 Morpho Medaka

Morpho Medaka is a fancy variety with a wide, fan-shaped tail and jagged, saw-toothed fin edges. It combines a blue body with body light and grows to about 4 cm in standard body length — here's what to know about its traits and care.

7 things to know before welcoming a Morpho Medaka

1. 1Distinctive Jagged Fins

   Morpho's defining trait is the fine, saw-toothed edge along its tail fin. The depth and pattern of these notches vary from fish to fish, so no two individuals look exactly alike, and the same jagged trait often appears on the pectoral and pelvic fins too.

2. 2Blue Body With Body Light

   Morpho combines a bluish body color with body light, giving its appearance a shimmering quality that shifts with the angle of light. Because the tail fin is fully covered in this shine, a group of Morpho swimming together creates a striking display.

3. 3Intermediate Care Level

   Morpho is considered an intermediate-level variety, so sudden changes in water quality or temperature need careful attention. Its large, delicate fins also mean the tank setup should avoid rough decorations that could damage them.

4. 4Fin-Friendly Tank Setup

   Because the tail fin spreads so widely, strong water flow can put stress on it. Keeping the filter flow gentle and choosing smooth, edge-free decorations helps protect the fins from damage.

5. 5Choose Tankmates Carefully

   With such large fins, Morpho is vulnerable to fin-nipping tankmates, so it's best to avoid species with that tendency. Pairing it with other long-finned medaka or calm species helps prevent injuries.

6. 6Calm and Shoals Well

   Morpho has a gentle temperament and does well kept in groups. Because conflict is rare, keeping several individuals with the same fin-light trait together lets the tank show off their fins at their best.

7. 7Prepare the Tank First

   Before bringing Morpho home, set up the tank, filter, and temperature control in advance. Providing a stable environment that avoids sudden water quality shifts helps maintain the beauty of its fin traits over time.

Frequently asked questions about Morpho Medaka

Q.What does the Morpho Medaka look like?

A.Morpho has a tail fin that fans out widely, with edges that form a fine, saw-toothed pattern. Its bluish body is paired with body light, giving the entire tail fin a shimmering glow, and the same jagged trait often appears on the pectoral and pelvic fins as well.

Q.Is Morpho suitable for beginners?

A.Morpho is considered an intermediate-level variety, requiring some familiarity with managing water quality and temperature. Building basic medaka-keeping experience first makes it easier to maintain its fin beauty.

Q.How large does an adult Morpho grow?

A.It reaches a standard body length of up to about 4 cm. Including the fins it can look larger, but the body length itself falls within the typical range for medaka.

Q.When was the Morpho variety developed?

A.It's a relatively new variety, created in 2019 by Takuya Tanaka. It's known for combining the saw-toothed tail fin trait with body light for a distinctive look.

Q.What should I watch out for when keeping Morpho?

A.To avoid damaging its widely spreading fins, keep water flow gentle and choose decorations without sharp edges. It's also best to avoid tankmates known for fin-nipping.

Useful tools for Morpho Medaka care

Learn more about Morpho Medaka in the encyclopedia

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