Zen Medaka
Zen is a medaka (Japanese rice fish) developed from Kuro Miyuki, the black Miyuki medaka, and given the Hikari body type. Besides the light along its back, it carries strong fin light, so a bluish-white glow stands out sharply against the black body. It was created in 2017 by Hiroko Fujita. It is a small medaka, and the variety is rated as beginner-friendly, which makes it a good first medaka. The light pattern differs from fish to fish, so it pays to look closely at the actual individual you are considering.
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Zen Medaka key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years
- Size
- About 3-4 cm (wild medaka reach up to 4 cm SL: FishBase)
- Diet
- Omnivore (floating prepared foods, live foods such as daphnia)
- Container & Tank
- The shine shows best against the black body, viewed from above in a dark container.
- Breeding
- Shine width and fin shine vary; select well-formed hikari fish with strong shine as breeders.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful and fine with other medaka of similar size. To keep the variety's traits, do not let it breed with other varieties in the same container.
- Diet & Feeding
- Give floating food that is eaten within 3-5 minutes: at least twice a day in summer, once a day in spring and autumn, and little or none outdoors in winter.
- Cautions
- Never release ornamental medaka into rivers, ponds or paddies; hybridisation causes genetic pollution of wild medaka.
About Zen Medaka
Zen Medaka is a Hikari-type Kuro Miyuki with strong fin light and a bluish-white glow on a black body, created in 2017 by Hiroko Fujita. Small and beginner-friendly. Traits, prep tips and FAQ.
7 things to know before welcoming a Zen Medaka
1Back light and fin light
Zen is a Hikari-type version of Kuro Miyuki, with strong fin light in addition to the light along its back. The bluish-white glow standing out against the black body is what makes this variety special.
2Light varies by fish
The strength and extent of the light differ from fish to fish. Check the listing photos and descriptions to see whether the fin light is well developed and whether the light on the back is continuous.
3Enjoy it from above
The back light is best seen from above, so a top-down view shows it off well. A darker container bottom and walls tend to make the contrast between the black body and the bluish-white light stand out more.
4Fits small containers
As a small medaka, Zen can be kept in fairly compact containers such as a small tank or a lily bowl. Smaller volumes of water change in quality and temperature more quickly, though, so a roomier container is easier to manage.
5Avoid sudden changes
Zen is rated as beginner-friendly, but sudden shifts in water quality or temperature are stressful for any medaka. Change water in small amounts and feed only what the fish finish eating.
6Temperament and tankmates
Medaka are generally peaceful, so Zen suit company of their own kind or medaka of similar size. Keep them apart from fry small enough to be swallowed and from larger fish that might chase them.
7Acclimate on arrival
After arrival, float the bag in the water to match the temperature, then add your tank water little by little so the fish adjust to the water quality. Keep them somewhere quiet for the first few days and watch their appetite and how their light looks.
Frequently asked questions about Zen Medaka
- Q.Can beginners keep Zen medaka?
- A.Yes, Zen is rated as beginner-friendly and can be kept with standard medaka care. Avoid sudden changes in water quality and temperature, and be careful not to overfeed.
- Q.How big does Zen medaka get?
- A.There is little data on the adult size of this variety, and individuals vary. Zen is a small medaka. When choosing a container, allow some room for the adult size and the number of fish you plan to keep.
- Q.How long does Zen medaka live?
- A.There is little reliable information on the lifespan of this variety, so we cannot give a typical figure. Careful, steady management of water quality, temperature and feeding is the best basis for keeping them long term.
- Q.How is Zen different from Kuro Miyuki?
- A.Zen is Kuro Miyuki bred into the Hikari body type. Along with the light on its back, it has strong fin light, so a bluish-white glow shows clearly against the black body.
- Q.Will offspring show the same light?
- A.The light varies between individuals, so offspring will not necessarily match their parents. If you are thinking of breeding, it helps to ask the seller about the parent fish.
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Learn more about Zen Medaka in the encyclopedia
View Zen Medaka encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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