Tennyo no Mai
Tennyo no Mai ("Dance of the Celestial Maiden") is a selectively bred medaka variety created by crossing long-finned Matsui-type medaka with the shimmering Mikuni strain. Its defining trait is that every fin — dorsal, caudal, and anal — grows long in equal proportion, so that as the fish swims, its fan-shaped fins trail gracefully behind it, evoking the flowing robes of a celestial dancer. Combined with the bright body sheen inherited from its Mikuni ancestry, this fin display gives the variety strong visual presence in any tank. Tennyo no Mai tends to have a calm temperament and gets along well with other medaka, but keeping those long fins in good condition calls for closer attention to water quality and tank setup, which is why this variety is generally considered suited to intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners.
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Tennyo no Mai key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- Body length 3-4cm
- Temperature
- 15〜28℃
- Diet
- Mainly prepared feed, supplemented with live food (brine shrimp, daphnia); fine powdered food for fry.
- Coloration & Traits
- Dorsal, caudal, anal and ventral fins all extend evenly, the tail spreading like a fan; on a miyuki base the back shows blue or white sheen, with colors from scarlet to lamé-miyuki and albino.
- Care Tips
- Can be kept outdoors; the flowing fins look good from the side or above, so give it a roomy container to swim freely.
- Water Quality & Temperature
- Keep around 15-28°C; avoid summer overheating and sudden changes, and keep water stable.
- Breeding
- It can breed, but parents with fully grown fins spawn poorly, so use younger fish for breeding.
- Cautions
- The long fins are prone to nipping by tankmates; avoid overcrowding to keep them in good condition.
About Tennyo no Mai
Tennyo no Mai is a fancy medaka with long, evenly balanced fins that flow like a celestial robe when swimming. Suited to intermediate keepers, it lives 2-3 years and reaches 3-4 cm in body length.
7 things to know before welcoming a Tennyo no Mai
1Fins are water-flow sensitive
Because every fin on Tennyo no Mai grows long, strong or turbulent water flow can put extra strain on them over time. Adjust filter outflow to create gentle currents so the fish can swim comfortably with its fins fully extended.
2Give tankmates extra room
Long, flowing fins are more prone to nipping from other medaka or catching on tank decor. Arrange plants and ornaments thoughtfully, and keep stocking density on the lower side if you're housing them with other fish.
3Best for intermediate keepers
Managing Tennyo no Mai's fins takes a bit more care, so it's best to have the basics of medaka keeping — water changes and water quality management — down first. First-time keepers may want to start with a standard-finned variety before taking this one on.
4Keep water quality pristine
Long fins are more sensitive to declining water quality and can become damaged or lose color as a result. Regular water changes and consistent filter maintenance are key to keeping those fins looking their best.
5Lifespan: about 2-3 years
Tennyo no Mai typically lives around 2-3 years. Because actual lifespan varies with water temperature and overall care, keeping an eye on seasonal temperature swings and daily health checks helps it live a full life.
6Grows to 3-4 cm as an adult
Adults typically reach about 3-4 cm in body length, though the long fins make them look noticeably larger. Giving them a roomy tank with plenty of swimming space helps prevent fin damage.
7Prep the tank before arrival
Because of their long fins, these medaka can easily snag on sharp edges or rough decorations in the tank. Choose a layout with smooth, rounded elements, and take extra time during acclimation to reduce stress on the fish.
Frequently asked questions about Tennyo no Mai
- Q.Is Tennyo no Mai suitable for beginners?
- A.Tennyo no Mai is generally considered an intermediate-level variety. Because caring for its long fins takes some experience, it's best to try it after getting comfortable with the basics of medaka keeping.
- Q.Can Tennyo no Mai be kept with other medaka?
- A.Yes, its calm temperament makes community keeping possible, but other fish may nip at its long fins. Keep stocking density moderate and check the fins regularly if housing it with tankmates.
- Q.How long does Tennyo no Mai live?
- A.Its typical lifespan is around 2-3 years. Actual lifespan can vary with water temperature and overall care, so daily health checks and seasonal adjustments matter.
- Q.How big does Tennyo no Mai get as an adult?
- A.Adults reach a body length of roughly 3-4 cm. With its fins included, it can look noticeably larger.
- Q.Is Tennyo no Mai affected by CITES?
- A.Tennyo no Mai is not subject to CITES.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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