Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) Medaka

Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) 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

External luminescence appears on the back, so the variety is best viewed from above. The Medaka Web Encyclopedia recommends outdoor keeping, and notes that summer sun raises water temperature sharply, suggesting shade such as a reed screen over half the container.

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

Albino fish carry no melanin, so body colour is limited to white, pink, yellow and orange lines. 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 Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) Medaka

Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) Medaka: a white-bodied variety with vivid red albino eyes, glowing body light, and long flowing fins, bred in 2018 by Yuji Iketani.

7 things to know before welcoming a Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) Medaka

1. 1Setting Up for Body Light & Fins

   To bring out the glowing body light running from back to head and the flowing fins, a tank layout that can be enjoyed both from above and from the side works well. Because strong currents put extra strain on long fins, keep the water flow gentle.

2. 2An Intermediate-Level Variety

   Ryu no Hitomi layers several distinct traits into one fish, so a bit of prior medaka-keeping experience helps you maintain its coloring and features consistently. Pay close attention to water quality and temperature stability.

3. 3Caring for Albino Eyes

   Albino fish with red eyes tend to be more sensitive to bright light than pigmented individuals, since they lack eye pigment. Avoid placing the tank in prolonged direct sunlight and aim for a calmly lit environment instead.

4. 4Watch the Long Fins

   The dramatically elongated fins are Ryu no Hitomi's signature feature, and changes in their color or movement can be an early sign of how the fish is doing. Make a habit of checking fin condition during daily observation.

5. 5Choosing Tankmates

   The long, flowing fins are eye-catching, so it's best to avoid housing this variety with fish known to nip fins. Calm, similarly-paced medaka make more suitable companions.

6. 6Keeping the White Body Bright

   A white body shows dirt and algae more readily than darker colorations. Regular water changes and steady filtration help keep that clean, translucent white looking its best.

7. 7Acclimating Before Bringing One Home

   When introducing a new fish to its tank, take time with the acclimation process so sudden shifts in temperature or water chemistry don't stress it. Choosing a healthy-looking individual from a trustworthy seller also matters.

Frequently asked questions about Ryu no Hitomi (Dragon's Eye) Medaka

Q.Is Ryu no Hitomi suitable for beginners?

A.Ryu no Hitomi is generally considered an intermediate-level variety. Having some basic medaka-keeping experience makes it easier to maintain its coloring, body light, and fin beauty consistently.

Q.Where does the name "Ryu no Hitomi" come from?

A.The name is thought to reference the striking contrast between the white body and the red albino eyes. The variety was bred in 2018 by Yuji Iketani.

Q.Is Ryu no Hitomi the same as Albino Mikuni Hire-naga?

A.Yes, it's an alternate name for the same variety. It's called this because it combines four traits: a white body, red albino eyes, body light, and elongated fins.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It reaches a standard body length of up to about 4 cm. Because the fins extend well beyond the body, it can appear even larger at a glance.

Q.Is Ryu no Hitomi subject to legal regulation?

A.This variety is not subject to CITES.

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