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About Us
Our Brand Story
SNR Medaka USA has one of the most diverse online collections of Medaka (Oryzias latipes, also known as Japanese Rice Fish) available in the US.
Based in North Carolina, we enjoy all four seasons, providing an ideal climate for raising Medaka.
Breeding these fish is more than a hobby for us; it’s a significant part of our lives.
Caring for Medaka has brought us peace and encouraged outdoor activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The beauty and healing we have found through Medaka is something we hope you can experience too.
Why SNR Medaka USA?
At SNR Medaka USA, we do not focus on mass production. Our goal is to promote a healthy and responsible medaka culture in the United States by staying committed and serving our customers with care.
You can purchase from us with confidence, knowing the fish are thoughtfully sourced and well cared for.
Our motto is simple: Enjoy Medaka.
Why are we different from other sellers?
- 📦 Legal Importation
We legally import live Medaka (Japanese Rice Fish, also known as Oryzias latipes) into the United States, ensuring full compliance with all federal and state regulations. Our process includes multiple inspections and strict adherence to import laws, including proper clearance through USDA and USFWS, to guarantee the safety and legality of every shipment.
We do not support or condone the illegal importation of medaka eggs from overseas. Shipping medaka eggs directly from Japan to the U.S. using postal carriers such as USPS, DHL, or EMS is prohibited by law. These packages enter the country without being inspected by the USDA or USFWS, bypassing critical health and environmental safeguards. This practice is considered smuggling and poses serious ecological, legal, and ethical concerns.
Additionally, eggs received through such means often differ from seller photos and lack transparency in lineage and pedigree, making it difficult to verify their origin or genetic integrity. - 🩺 Rigorous Health Inspections
Our Medaka undergo thorough health inspections and quarantine procedures to ensure they are disease-free and healthy before reaching our customers. This commitment to quality ensures that you receive the healthiest fish possible. - 🔬 Pure Breed Lines
We specialize in pedigree Medaka, focusing on the quality of our fish rather than quantity. We take great care in maintaining and nurturing the pedigree lines and their unique characteristics to ensure that each Medaka we offer is of the highest standard. Our dedication to quality means that you receive Medaka with lineage with exceptional traits. - 🐟 Live Fish Only
To ensure the highest standards in promoting Japanese Medaka, we exclusively offer individuals that meet specific high-grade criteria and do not sell eggs. This approach guarantees that each fish we provide adheres to our rigorous quality standards and pedigree requirements.
Our Commitment
We specialize in high-quality medaka with a focus on pedigree and health. We work with multiple trusted breeders in Japan, and import fish both directly from Japan and through SNR Medaka Korea. Some of our fish are bred locally in North Carolina, including second and third generations (F2/F3) from imported Japanese stock. Whether you’re new to medaka or a long-time hobbyist, you’re welcome to explore our collection.
If you’re curious about how our fish are sourced, please see our Sourcing & Importing page for more details.
Our Philosophy: No Mass Production, Just True Breeding Values
At SNR Medaka USA, we do not support the mass production of medaka in oversized tubs. We believe that medaka are not simply ornamental fish; they are living artwork, carefully shaped over years by skilled Japanese breeders. We honor the individuality and origin of each strain and never compromise quality for quantity.
Rather than using industrial-style tanks, we follow a traditional, small-batch approach. Every fish is raised outdoors with the utmost care in controlled environments, and each strain is kept separate to preserve its unique characteristics.
We deeply respect the original creators (作出者 / breeders) who dedicated years to developing each strain—from body shape and color to specific traits and characteristics. With a clear understanding of the traits and qualities each breeder emphasizes, we conduct strict selection to ensure the highest level of quality and purity.
Learn more about our breeding philosophy →
Read about how we approach medaka breeding.
📸 All photos on this website are taken by us at SNR Medaka USA. Please do not use or reproduce any images without permission.
🏡 The first photo shows our facility in North Carolina.
🇯🇵 The second photo was taken during our visit to Japanese breeders and features their facility in Japan.
🏡 The first photo shows our facility in North Carolina.
🇯🇵 The second photo was taken during our visit to Japanese breeders and features their facility in Japan.