Tancho
Tancho is a selectively bred variety of medaka (Japanese rice fish) with a pure white body and a vivid red patch confined to the top of its head — a pattern reminiscent of Japan's national bird, the red-crowned crane, for which it is named. The red marking is genetically unstable and difficult to fix, so producing well-marked individuals requires careful, ongoing selective breeding. That unpredictability is part of the appeal, drawing keepers who enjoy the process of selection as much as the finished fish. Considered suitable for intermediate keepers, Tancho rewards those who already have a feel for water quality management and daily observation. With a lifespan of 2 to 3 years and an adult size of 3 to 4 cm, it fits comfortably into both indoor and outdoor setups.
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Tancho key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- 3-4cm
- Temperature
- 15〜30℃
- Diet
- Medaka food, daphnia
- Container & Tank
- Viewing from above in a white container shows the tancho marking clearly. Coloring improves outdoors under sunlight.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Adapts to 15-30°C and neutral to slightly alkaline water; keeping it is easy. Regular water changes keep it clean.
- Diet & Feeding
- Feed medaka food as the staple with daphnia. Color-enhancing feed containing carotenoids maintains the red on the head.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Fixation of the red head marking is low; producing the ideal tancho pattern requires breeding many fry and strict selection.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful and can be mixed with gentle varieties of similar size. If selection is a priority, consider keeping the variety on its own.
About Tancho
Tancho is a white-bodied medaka with a red crown patch, prized for its crane-like look. Fixation is unstable, making selection key. Intermediate level, 2-3 year lifespan, 3-4cm adult size.
7 things to know before welcoming a Tancho
1Understand the Low Fixation Rate
The red crown marking is genetically unstable, so fry from the same parents can show wide variation in the shape and extent of the red patch. Rather than expecting every fish to match an ideal pattern, it helps to enjoy this natural variability as part of the hobby.
2An Intermediate-Level Fish
Tancho is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, so having a grasp of basic water quality management and a regular water-change routine is helpful before bringing one home. Prior experience with medaka keeping makes for a more stable start.
3A Lifespan of 2 to 3 Years
Tancho typically lives around 2 to 3 years. Consistent water quality management and seasonal care throughout its life help support its wellbeing.
4A Compact Adult Size of 3-4cm
Even as adults, Tancho stay compact at around 3 to 4 cm. This size makes them adaptable to a range of setups, from small indoor tanks to outdoor water-lily pots.
5Develop an Eye for the Pattern
Since the red patch varies from fish to fish, it's worth checking photos or details closely before bringing one home. The pattern can also shift somewhat as the fish grows, so a patient, observant approach pays off.
6Consider Compatible Tankmates
Like most medaka varieties, Tancho tend to be relatively calm and peaceful. When keeping them with other fish, choosing tankmates of similar size and swimming speed helps maintain a settled environment.
7Prepare Your Setup Before Bringing One Home
Setting up the tank or pot and stabilizing water quality before the fish arrives helps reduce stress after transport. Take time with the acclimation process so the fish can adjust gradually to its new environment.
Frequently asked questions about Tancho
- Q.Does the red pattern on a Tancho change as it grows?
- A.The size and intensity of the red crown patch can shift somewhat as the fish matures. In young fry the pattern may not yet be clearly defined, so it's worth watching how it develops over time.
- Q.Can a beginner keep Tancho medaka?
- A.Tancho is considered an intermediate-level variety, so it's best approached after gaining some experience with the basics of medaka care, such as water quality management and water changes. This tends to lead to a more stable outcome.
- Q.Is Tancho medaka subject to CITES regulation?
- A.Tancho medaka is not subject to CITES. No special procedures for international trade apply to this variety.
- Q.How long do Tancho medaka live?
- A.Tancho medaka typically live around 2 to 3 years. Ongoing, consistent water quality management supports a healthy life.
- Q.Can Tancho be kept together with other medaka varieties?
- A.Tancho is relatively calm by nature, so keeping it with varieties of similar size and swimming speed is generally workable. If you want to avoid crossbreeding with other varieties, separating them during the breeding season is a good approach.
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