How Much Does Medaka Keeping Cost? Monthly Running Costs Explained

Medaka (Japanese rice fish) are hardy ornamental fish well-suited to Japan's climate, enjoyable in styles ranging from outdoor water lily pots to indoor aquariums. Outdoor keeping is particularly cost-effective, with virtually no electricity costs, making it popular with beginners and veterans alike. Here are detailed costs broken down by outdoor and indoor keeping.

Initial Setup Cost Estimates

• Keeping container (water lily pot, planter, aquarium): 100-5,000 yen (you can start with a 100-yen shop container)
• Substrate (akadama soil, arakida soil): 300-500 yen
• Aquatic plants / water hyacinth: 300-1,000 yen (useful as spawning beds and water purifiers)
• Dechlorinator: 300-500 yen
• Food: 300-500 yen (dedicated powder food is optimal)

The initial setup cost for outdoor keeping totals 1,000-10,000 yen, among the lowest of any pet. Indoor aquariums require an additional 10,000-30,000 yen for lighting, filter, and heater.

Monthly Running Costs (Outdoor Keeping)

• Food: 200-500 yen (twice daily in summer, barely needed in winter)
• Electricity: Nearly 0 yen (when not using pump or filter)
• Plant replenishment: 0-300 yen (may not need purchasing once plants multiply naturally)

The monthly maintenance for outdoor keeping is 300-1,000 yen -- extremely economical.

Monthly Running Costs (Indoor Keeping)

• Electricity: 500-1,500 yen (lighting, filter, winter heater)
• Food: 200-500 yen
• Filter consumables: 200-400 yen

The monthly maintenance for indoor keeping is 1,000-2,500 yen.

Tips for Saving Money

• Focus on outdoor keeping: Zero electricity, and green water serves as natural food
• Breed to increase numbers: Medaka breed easily, reducing purchase costs
• Propagate your own plants: Water hyacinth and anacharis multiply readily, requiring only a single purchase

Benefits of Buying on Buri-Choku

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

• Abundant rare improved varieties: Directly purchase hard-to-find varieties like Tricolor Lame, Miyuki, and Kirameki
• Pedigreed specimens available: Obtain competition-winning bloodline specimens
• Learn from breeder expertise: Get direct guidance on breeding, selection, and care management