Medaka Encyclopedia

Golden Hikari Medaka – 秀吉 (黄金ヒカリメダカ)

The Hideyoshi Medaka, also known as the Golden Hikari Medaka, is a captivating ornamental fish that embodies the allure of gold within its petite form. Its shimmering golden hue and distinctive body shape have made it a cherished variety among medaka enthusiasts. Physical Characteristics: Body Color: A vibrant, light golden hue achieved through selective breeding to reduce black pigmentation, resulting in a bright, tea-colored (light amber) appearance. Body Shape: Exhibits the “Hikari” body type, characterized by a symmetrical dorsal and ventral profile, with diamond-shaped caudal fins and dorsal fins mirroring the anal fins. This symmetry enhances the fish’s luminous dorsal sheen. Breeding Information: Year of Development: 2001 Breeder: Yukio Ōba Origin: Derived from wild medaka, specifically through selective breeding of tea-colored medaka (cha medaka) with reduced black pigmentation to enhance the golden coloration. Genetic Traits: Coloration: Achieving the ideal golden hue requires meticulous selection; an imbalance can result in tea-colored or amber-colored offspring. Careful pairing is essential to maintain the desired coloration. Stability: The strain boasts a fixation rate of over 99%, indicating a high degree of genetic stability. Care and Maintenance: Color Preservation: Maintaining the golden coloration is particularly challenging. If the color becomes too light, the fish may appear tea-colored; if too dark, they may resemble amber. Therefore, selecting breeding pairs requires careful balance to produce offspring with the desired golden hue. General Care: Provide a well-maintained aquatic environment with clean water and appropriate space. A balanced diet and regular monitoring will support overall health and vitality. Conclusion: The Hideyoshi Medaka stands as a testament to the art of selective breeding, encapsulating the essence of gold in a delicate aquatic form. Its radiant appearance and historical significance continue to captivate and inspire medaka enthusiasts worldwide.   Image and translation courtesy of: https://medakazukan.net/0016_hideyoshi/ https://www.medakanoyakata.jp/?tid=6&mode=f78 Photos provided by: SNR MEDAKA KOREA