Medaka Variety Encyclopedia — Popular Breeds & Selection Guide

Improved medaka now number in the thousands of varieties. Diverse coloration, sparkle effects, and body shape variations are their charm. Here are the most popular varieties.

Youkihi

• Features: Vivid orange to reddish body color. The variety that sparked the improved medaka boom
• Viewing highlights: Color depth and uniformity. More vibrant under outdoor sunlight
• Difficulty: Low (ideal for beginners)
• Price range: Relatively affordable

Miyuki

• Features: Shimmering "body light" along the back is the main attraction. Full-body light is most prized
• Viewing highlights: Length and brilliance of the body light. Dark containers make the light stand out
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• Price range: Wide range depending on light intensity

Tricolor Lame

• Features: Red, white, and black tricolor with scattered sparkling lame—a luxurious variety
• Viewing highlights: Balance of three colors and lame quantity. Clear contrast is more beautiful
• Difficulty: Medium
• Price range: Medium to high

Sapphire

• Features: Deep blue body color with sparkling lame—a mystical variety
• Viewing highlights: Depth of blue and lame brilliance. Blue stands out in dark containers
• Difficulty: Medium
• Price range: Medium to high

Yozakura (Night Cherry Blossom)

• Features: Yellow, black, and lame intermingling in complex artistic patterns
• Viewing highlights: Lame quantity and color balance. High individual variation makes selection enjoyable
• Difficulty: Medium
• Price range: Medium to high

Orochi

• Features: Jet-black all over. Maintains its blackness even in white containers
• Viewing highlights: Uniformity and depth of black
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• Price range: Relatively affordable

Kohaku (Red and White)

• Features: Koi-like red and white bicolor pattern. Each individual's unique pattern is enjoyable
• Viewing highlights: Red-white contrast and pattern balance
• Difficulty: Medium
• Price range: Wide range depending on pattern beauty

Daruma Medaka

• Features: Shorter, rounder body than normal—an adorable variety
• Viewing highlights: Round body and cute swimming style
• Difficulty: Medium (shorter digestive tract requires careful management)
• Price range: Higher than normal body types

Benefits of Purchasing on Bri-Choku

On Bri-Choku, you can purchase directly from medaka breeders.

• Carefully culled specimens: Hand-selected by breeders who know their variety's traits
• Bloodline information: Directly confirm parent fish details and bloodlines
• Rare varieties: Find the latest and highest-fixation-rate individuals
• Ask breeders: Directly inquire about care and variety characteristics