Short-bodied round medaka resembling a daruma doll. Rolling swimming motion is adorable. Requires warm water keeping.
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Daruma medaka originated in Japan around the mid-20th century as a naturally occurring mutation in which several vertebrae fuse together, producing a body nearly half the length of a standard medaka and an almost perfectly round silhouette when viewed from the side. The name "Daruma" comes from the rotund, legless Daruma dolls of Japanese folk tradition, and the variety has been beloved by hobbyists across Japan for decades. Because the round body type is crossed with many color lines — black, white, Yōkihi red, and more — there is a wide range of visual varieties to choose from. The fish's unique rolling, tumbling swim style is unlike anything else in the medaka world and has a quietly hypnotic quality. The two non-negotiable requirements for keeping Daruma are warm water and gentle flow; meet those conditions and the variety is accessible even for beginners. Despite their tiny size, Daruma command attention in any aquarium and have gained a following as living decorative accents that bring a distinctly Japanese aesthetic to the home.
1Warmth Is Essential
Daruma medaka thrives and maintains its characteristic body shape at water temperatures of 28–32°C. Lower temperatures increase the risk of swim bladder issues, so a reliable aquarium heater is essential. During winter, keep the temperature above 25°C to avoid health problems.
2Watch for Swim Bladder Issues
Due to its shortened body, Daruma medaka is prone to swim bladder disorder, which causes the fish to float upside down. Overfeeding and sudden temperature changes are common triggers. Avoid giving too much food, minimize temperature fluctuations, and if symptoms appear, try fasting the fish and gradually raising the water temperature.
3Suitable for Small Tanks
At just 2–3 cm when fully grown, Daruma medaka can be kept in tanks as small as 5–10 liters. However, smaller volumes make water quality and temperature harder to maintain, so a 20-liter or larger tank is more stable. As a general guideline, allow 1–2 liters of water per fish to prevent overcrowding.
4Breeding Takes Extra Care
Due to their body shape, Daruma medaka sometimes have difficulty mating successfully, resulting in lower spawning rates than standard medaka. For breeding, pairing a full Daruma with a semi-Daruma (slightly longer body) tends to improve success rates. Provide a spawning mop or plant, and move eggs to a separate container to protect them from being eaten.
5Peaceful Community Fish
Daruma medaka has a gentle temperament and coexists well with other medaka varieties and small, peaceful fish. However, because it swims slowly and struggles to compete for food, keeping it with more active species can lead to malnourishment. Ideally, house it with other Daruma medaka or similarly slow-swimming varieties.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
6Feed Small Amounts Often
Feed Daruma medaka 2–3 times a day in small amounts they can consume within 2–3 minutes. Overfeeding at once risks digestive problems and swim bladder disorder. Use small-pellet medaka food or finely crushed flakes that are easy for their small mouths to eat.
7Short Lifespan of 1–2 Years
The average lifespan of Daruma medaka is about 1–2 years, which is somewhat shorter than standard medaka due to the physical stress of their body shape. Consistent water temperature, clean water, and a low-stress environment are the key factors in helping them live out their full lifespan. Keep this in mind when deciding to bring one home.
