Oiran Medaka
Oiran is a three-color medaka with yellow and white bodies marked by black spots, plus a glossy sheen on the outside of the body known in Japan as taigai-hikari. It was developed in 2019 by the breeder Kawato (川戸博貴). Its traits are not highly fixed, so each fish shows its colors and shine a little differently, and individuals with clear markings and a clear sheen are especially popular. Oiran is rated beginner-friendly and is a small medaka. With the calm temperament typical of medaka, it is easy to enjoy once you have the basics of water care and daily observation in place.
View Oiran Medaka 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!
BreederDirect's 9 Transparency Commitments
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)
Oiran 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
- A variety to enjoy from above; sunny outdoor containers are said to improve colour.
- Breeding
- Fixation is low and siblings vary widely; raise many fish and select those with clear yellow, white and black and strong shine.
- 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 Oiran Medaka
Oiran medaka: a yellow, white and black three-color pattern with a glossy body sheen, developed in 2019. Small and beginner-friendly. Traits, care basics and tips for before you bring one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Oiran Medaka
1Choose by Individual Look
Oiran is not highly fixed, so the spread of yellow, white and black spots and the strength of the outer-body sheen vary from fish to fish. Check the listing photos and videos to see how the pattern and shine look, and choose a fish close to what you like. The impression also changes with lighting and viewing angle, so looking at several photos helps.
2Beginner-Friendly
Oiran is rated beginner-friendly and is easy to start with if you follow the basics of medaka keeping. Avoiding overcrowding, overfeeding and sudden changes in the environment is the foundation for Oiran too.
3Container and Placement
As a small medaka, Oiran is small enough for a compact tank or container, though a roomier one keeps the water more stable. The sheen looks different depending on how light hits the fish, so a bright spot shows it off well. Keep the container out of strong direct sun so the water temperature does not rise suddenly.
4Tankmates of Similar Size
Medaka are generally peaceful, and Oiran is best kept with other medaka of a similar size. Avoid housing it with tiny animals that could fit in its mouth or with much larger fish. Adding aquatic plants or other hiding spots helps the fish settle in.
5Acclimation and Water Changes
When your fish arrives, float the bag on the water to even out the temperature, then add tank water little by little to acclimate it carefully. For routine water changes, replace only part of the water at a time rather than all at once, which keeps changes in the environment small.
6Daily Observation
Feed only what the fish can finish, and remove leftovers because they foul the water. If body color, fin condition, swimming or appetite looks different from usual, keep a close eye on the fish and check the water quality early. If you are unsure, asking the seller or someone experienced with fish can help.
7Offspring Vary
Because the traits are not highly fixed, even offspring of parents with clear markings and a clear sheen may not look the same. Keep in mind that the next generation can vary widely, and enjoy the breeding process with that in mind. If you are curious, it is also a good idea to ask the seller about the parent fish.
Frequently asked questions about Oiran Medaka
- Q.What kind of medaka is Oiran?
- A.Oiran is a three-color medaka with yellow and white bodies marked by black spots and a glossy outer-body sheen. It was developed in 2019 by the breeder Kawato (川戸博貴), and individuals with clear markings and shine are especially popular.
- Q.Can a beginner keep Oiran?
- A.Yes, Oiran is rated beginner-friendly. If you keep up basic water care and watch your fish every day, it is a manageable variety for first-time keepers.
- Q.How large does Oiran grow?
- A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. It is a small medaka. It is small enough for a compact setup, but a roomier container keeps the water quality more stable.
- Q.How long does Oiran live?
- A.There is little reliable information on the lifespan of Oiran, so a specific number of years cannot be given. It varies with the environment and the individual, so steady water care and daily observation are the best ways to keep your fish healthy.
- Q.Will offspring have the same pattern and shine?
- A.Oiran is not highly fixed, so offspring do not always show the same pattern or sheen as their parents. Since the results vary from fish to fish, it helps to welcome that variety as part of the fun.
Useful tools for Oiran Medaka care
Learn more about Oiran Medaka in the encyclopedia
View Oiran Medaka 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.