Is Shinkai suitable for first-time medaka keepers?

Shinkai is generally considered a variety for intermediate keepers, since keeping its color vivid and consistent takes some familiarity with water quality and temperature management. If you're new to medaka, it may be worth starting with a hardier variety before taking on Shinkai.

Why is it called Shinkai (deep sea)?

The name comes from its deep blue body color, which evokes the mysterious blue of the ocean depths. Its blue runs even deeper than the color known as marine blue.

What kind of container brings out its color best?

A black or dark-colored container tends to make Shinkai's deep blue stand out more clearly. It can still be kept in a clear container, but adjusting the container's color is worth trying if you want to emphasize its coloring.

Is Shinkai subject to CITES?

Shinkai is not subject to CITES. No CITES-related procedures or certificates are required for it.

Can Shinkai be kept with other medaka?

Thanks to its calm temperament, Shinkai can generally be kept alongside other gentle medaka varieties. That said, keeping a group of only Shinkai makes it easier to appreciate and compare their coloring.

Shinkai

Shinkai is a medaka variety named for its deep blue color, reminiscent of the ocean depths. Its blue runs even deeper than marine blue, standing out best against a dark-colored tank. Calm and easy to tame, it suits owners who enjoy watching a shoal swim and observing subtle color shifts. Keeping that color vivid takes some care with water quality and lighting, so Shinkai is considered a variety for intermediate keepers rather than beginners.

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Shinkai key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Size: 3-4cm
Temperature: 5〜30℃
Diet: Medaka pellets, daphnia
Container: Black container makes deep blue stand out
Lighting: Blue LED lighting enhances deep-sea atmosphere
Temperature: 5-30°C (optimal 20-28°C)
Breeding: Breed deepest-blue individuals to improve fixation
Notes: Color fades easily with poor water quality

TraitsModified medakaDeep blueMysticalDeep sea

About Shinkai

Shinkai is a medaka variety with a deep, mysterious blue that looks richer in a dark tank. Suited to intermediate keepers; grows 3-4cm, lives 2-3 years. Not subject to CITES.

7 things to know before welcoming a Shinkai

1Color Shifts With Environment
Shinkai's signature blue can shift in intensity depending on water quality and lighting. Keeping it in a dark-colored container tends to bring out the color best, so consider the tank's background if you want a consistently vivid look.
2Best For Intermediate Keepers
Shinkai is considered suitable for intermediate keepers, since bringing out its color reliably takes some familiarity with water temperature and quality management. First-time medaka keepers may want to start with a hardier variety before taking this one on.
3Calm Temperament
Shinkai has a calm temperament and tends to get used to human presence fairly easily. Keeping several together rather than one alone makes it easier to observe their natural shoaling behavior.
4Adult Size: 3-4cm
Shinkai typically reaches about 3-4cm as an adult. Choose a tank or container with enough room to comfortably fit its full-grown size.
5Lifespan: About 2-3 Years
Shinkai's lifespan is roughly 2-3 years. Sudden temperature swings and declining water quality can be stressful, so pay extra attention around seasonal changes.
6Dark Tanks Show Best
Shinkai's deep blue stands out even more in a black or dark-colored container. A dark background tends to bring out the color better than a clear or light-colored tank.
7Prepare Before Bringing Home
Before bringing Shinkai home, it helps to have your acclimation supplies, container, and filtration ready in advance. Some individuals may hide at first in a new environment, so having plants or other hiding spots can help them settle in.

Frequently asked questions about Shinkai

Q.Is Shinkai suitable for first-time medaka keepers?: A.Shinkai is generally considered a variety for intermediate keepers, since keeping its color vivid and consistent takes some familiarity with water quality and temperature management. If you're new to medaka, it may be worth starting with a hardier variety before taking on Shinkai.
Q.Why is it called Shinkai (deep sea)?: A.The name comes from its deep blue body color, which evokes the mysterious blue of the ocean depths. Its blue runs even deeper than the color known as marine blue.
Q.What kind of container brings out its color best?: A.A black or dark-colored container tends to make Shinkai's deep blue stand out more clearly. It can still be kept in a clear container, but adjusting the container's color is worth trying if you want to emphasize its coloring.
Q.Is Shinkai subject to CITES?: A.Shinkai is not subject to CITES. No CITES-related procedures or certificates are required for it.
Q.Can Shinkai be kept with other medaka?: A.Thanks to its calm temperament, Shinkai can generally be kept alongside other gentle medaka varieties. That said, keeping a group of only Shinkai makes it easier to appreciate and compare their coloring.