Youkihi

Youkihi key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

2-3 years

Size

3-4cm

Temperature

5〜30℃（適温20〜28℃）

Diet

Prepared food, daphnia, brine shrimp

Container

Outdoor tub or indoor tank. 10L+ recommended

Water

Neutral to slightly alkaline. Dechlorinated tap water

Breeding

Starts spawning at 25°C+ with 13h daylight

Notes

Color-enhancing food helps bring out deep red coloration

About Youkihi

Youkihi is one of the defining varieties of the early 2000s medaka boom and played a significant role in popularizing selectively bred medaka in Japan. Its name comes from Yang Guifei, the legendary beauty of the Tang dynasty, and its vivid vermilion-red body lives up to that glamorous namesake. Through years of careful selective breeding, the pale orange hue of wild medaka was transformed into the rich, deep red seen today. The standard body type allows the red pigmentation to shine through clearly, making Youkihi attractive in both aquariums and garden ponds. This variety has a calm, schooling nature and looks best when kept in groups. Its adaptability to a wide range of water quality and temperature conditions — from outdoor biotopes to indoor tanks — contributes greatly to its enduring popularity. Youkihi is an ideal entry point into the world of fancy medaka, offering the rewarding experience of nurturing and deepening its beautiful coloration over time.

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7 things to know before welcoming a Youkihi

1. 1Grading the Red Color

   Yoikuhi individuals are graded by the depth of their red coloration, with more intensely colored fish typically commanding higher prices. When selecting, look for even color coverage across the body and into the fins. Appearance can shift under different lighting, so viewing under natural light when possible gives the most accurate read.

2. 2Sunlight Enhances Color

   Adequate sunlight brings out the best in Yoikuhi's red coloration, and outdoor setups in well-lit spots are often recommended for color enhancement. However, intense summer sun can rapidly raise water temperatures to dangerous levels, so afternoon shade or a shade cloth is advisable during the hottest months.

3. 3Suitable Water Temperature

   Like all medaka, Yoikuhi can tolerate a broad range of temperatures from around 5 to 30°C, but they thrive and remain most stable between 18 and 26°C. Sudden temperature swings cause stress and raise disease risk, so pay attention during seasonal transitions. They can overwinter without a heater, though growth and breeding pause until spring.

4. 4Easy to Breed, Careful with Fry

   Yoikuhi breed readily, and in suitable conditions they spawn frequently from spring through summer. Eggs are deposited on aquatic plants or spawning mops — move fry to a separate container after hatching to prevent adults from eating them. During the fry stage, avoid large water changes; instead, use a pipette to remove debris and top off with small amounts of conditioned water.

5. 5Color-Enhancing Foods

Frequently asked questions about Youkihi

Q.Youkihi's color has faded. How can I deepen it?

A.Switching to a dark or black container and feeding carotenoid-rich color-enhancing food can help restore and deepen the coloration. Moderate exposure to direct sunlight also promotes pigmentation. Improvement takes time, so consistency over weeks and months is key.

Q.Can Youkihi overwinter in an outdoor pond or tub?

Useful tools for Youkihi care

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