Midnight Frill Lamé Type Medaka (ミッドナイトフリルラメタイプメダカ) – Sparkles in the Shadows

Midnight Frill Lamé Type Medaka (ミッドナイトフリルラメタイプメダカ) is a refined ornamental strain that balances boldness and elegance. Developed in 2023 by Japanese breeder Seiji Tarumi, this type features a deep black body adorned with lamé (ラメ, metallic flakes) and beautifully extended fins. Among the three phenotypes of the Midnight Frill line, the Lamé Type is known for its soft shimmer and flowing silhouette — ideal for top-view presentation.

🧬 Development & Lineage

The Midnight Frill Medaka series was created by crossing two exceptional lines:

• Emekin (エメキン): Known for its wide and frilled fins, external shine (体外光), and circular glow (一周光).
• Black Diamond (ブラックダイヤ): Valued for its matte black body and lamé scale sparkle.

Through selective breeding, the Midnight Frill was stabilized into three main phenotypes:

• External Light Type (体外光タイプ): Deep black with glowing dorsal light and wide frilled fins.
• Lamé Type (ラメタイプ): Black body scattered with lamé and elegant, extended fins.
• Jet Black Type (漆黒タイプ): Uniform black body with no shine or lamé, but with fin width preserved.

🎨 Physical Characteristics – Lamé Type

• Body Color: Matte black base that enhances the subtle shimmer of lamé
• Lamé Expression: Scattered silver or bluish flakes across the dorsal and lateral body
• Fins: Broad and flowing — frilled expressions are most evident in the caudal and dorsal fins
• Visual Appeal: Striking under sunlight or LED; soft glitter paired with elegant fin movement

⚙️ Breeding Insights

Developing a medaka with both consistent lamé distribution and ornamental fin structure has been a long-standing challenge. The Midnight Frill Lamé Type stands out by achieving both with high fixation. To maintain quality in future generations, breeders are advised to select for individuals with:

• Even lamé distribution
• Frilled or wide fins
• Stable dark pigmentation

🪟 Care & Viewing Tips

• Top-View Display: Ideal for appreciating lamé shimmer and fin width.
• Best Tub Colors: Use black tubs to highlight lamé sparkle.
• Water Temperature (Growth Phase): 28–30°C supports optimal fin development during the first 2–3 months.
• Stocking Density: Allow ~2–3L of water per fish to reduce fin damage and promote development.

🖍️ Conclusion

Midnight Frill Lamé Type Medaka combines subtle metallic shimmer with graceful, extended fins and a deep black base. It’s a poetic, low-light beauty — understated yet full of depth. For medaka collectors focused on refined movement and visual texture, this strain offers a captivating experience.

※ This article is based on breeder insights and information from Aqualassic and Medaka no Yakata.
※ Photos provided by SNR KOREA. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is prohibited.