Reckless Medaka

Reckless 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 glitter is strongest from above, but the fins marked with glitter and yellow also reward side viewing, so the variety works either way. Outdoors, guard against summer overheating.

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

Hirenaga fins often split at the tips, and fish whose fins have not split are considered the better specimens. 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 Reckless Medaka

Reckless Medaka is a bright yellow-aurora medaka variety with dense fine glitter and elongated fins, bred by Maimedaka in 2021. Known for its striking sparkle from above, it suits intermediate keepers and grows to about 4cm.

7 things to know before welcoming a Reckless Medaka

1. 1Sparkle Shines From Above

   Reckless Medaka's signature feature is the fine glitter scattered across its yellow-aurora body, which shines brightest when viewed from above. Choosing a tank or container that's easy to observe from the top lets you fully appreciate this trait.

2. 2Elegant, Flowing Fins

   This variety has elongated fins that trail gracefully as it swims. Keep the tank free of sharp decorations or obstacles so the delicate fins don't get damaged.

3. 3Best For Intermediate Keepers

   Reckless Medaka is considered suitable for intermediate keepers with some prior medaka experience. Pay close attention to water quality and temperature changes, and check on your fish daily.

4. 4Grows To About 4cm

   Adults reach a standard body length of up to about 4cm. Plan your tank size and layout with this eventual size in mind.

5. 5Steady Water Quality Matters

   As with medaka varieties in general, sudden changes in water quality can stress the fish. Do small, frequent water changes and try to keep temperature and water conditions stable.

6. 6Sunlight Enhances Glitter

   Glitter-type medaka tend to show more vivid coloring and sparkle when exposed to natural sunlight. Outdoor keeping or a sunlit spot can help bring out Reckless Medaka's full beauty.

7. 7Prepare Your Setup First

   Set up and cycle your tank or outdoor container before bringing a Reckless Medaka home. Acclimate new arrivals slowly to minimize stress from the change in environment.

Frequently asked questions about Reckless Medaka

Q.Is Reckless Medaka suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered a variety for intermediate keepers, so it helps to have some basic medaka-keeping experience first. With a good grasp of water quality management, though, it's manageable.

Q.Where does the name "Reckless Medaka" come from?

A.The name comes from the English word for "daring" or "bold." It was bred by Maimedaka in 2021.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It reaches a standard body length of up to about 4cm. There's some individual variation, so plan your tank space with its full-grown size in mind.

Q.How can I keep its glitter looking its best?

A.Exposure to natural sunlight tends to bring out richer color and sparkle. Outdoor keeping or a sunny spot is worth considering.

Q.Can it live with other medaka varieties?

A.Yes, it can generally be kept with other medaka varieties. If you want to preserve its glitter coloring, keeping it with others of the same type helps keep the pattern consistent — just check that tank mates are compatible in size and temperament.

Useful tools for Reckless Medaka care

Learn more about Reckless Medaka in the encyclopedia

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