Reiwa Black Lame Medaka

Reiwa Black Lame 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

Black body colour responds to background, so a dark container sharpens the contrast between glitter and body and suits viewing from above.

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

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

Glitter does not appear on transparent-scale fish, and glitter on semi-transparent-scale fish tends to show in several colours. 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 Reiwa Black Lame Medaka

Reiwa Black Lame Medaka is an improved variety with a black body, shimmering lame scales, and red-accented fins. Bred in 2019 by Seirakuan as part of the Reiwa gene lineage, it's prized for its fin beauty and suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Reiwa Black Lame Medaka

1. 1Black & Glitter Coloring

   Reiwa Black Lame is prized for its deep black base and shimmering lame scales. How vividly these colors develop can vary by individual, influenced by tank conditions like container color and light exposure. Watching the contrast between black and glitter deepen over time is part of the enjoyment.

2. 2Enjoying the Red Fins

   The red coloring that remains on the fins is a signature trait of this variety, part of the "beautiful fin" lineage. Water quality and diet can affect how the color develops, so it's worth observing the gradual changes day to day.

3. 3Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   Reiwa Black Lame is considered an intermediate-level variety. Keeping its coloring vibrant takes consistent attention to water quality and avoiding sudden temperature swings. It's best suited to keepers who already have some medaka experience.

4. 4Calm and Best Kept in a Group

   Like medaka in general, Reiwa Black Lame is calm and easygoing. It is a schooling fish, so it does better kept in a group rather than alone. Keeping them together with the same variety is the basic approach.

5. 5Seasonal Water Temperature Care

   Medaka are hardy enough for outdoor keeping, but extreme heat in summer or cold in winter can stress them. Check water temperature and quality closely during seasonal transitions, and avoid abrupt changes.

6. 6Individual Variation

   Even within the same lineage, the amount of glitter and the depth of red on the fins can vary from fish to fish. That individuality is part of the charm of improved medaka, and watching it develop as the fish matures is rewarding.

7. 7Preparing the Water Beforehand

   Before bringing a medaka home, make sure the tank's water is stable. Use dechlorinated water, match the temperature, and introduce the fish gradually rather than all at once, since sudden changes can be stressful for it.

Frequently asked questions about Reiwa Black Lame Medaka

Q.What does Reiwa Black Lame Medaka look like?

A.It has a black body dusted with shimmering lame scales and a touch of red remaining on the fins. It belongs to the "Reiwa gene" lineage, where the scales stay semi-transparent while the fins still show vivid color, creating a striking black-and-red contrast.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered an intermediate-level variety. Keepers who already have some experience with basic medaka care will find it easier to maintain its coloring and fin condition.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It typically reaches a standard length of up to about 4 cm. Actual size can vary somewhat depending on the individual fish and its environment.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish or other medaka?

A.Reiwa Black Lame has a calm temperament and swims in a group. Keeping several of the same variety together is the basic approach, so a group is recommended. If you mix it with other varieties or species, check compatibility first.

Q.Can it be kept outdoors in a lotus pot?

A.Medaka are hardy and can be kept outdoors. That said, watch for stress from summer heat or winter cold, and check water temperature and quality closely during seasonal transitions.

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