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The Miyuki Daruma Medaka (幹之ダルマメダカ) is a captivating ornamental fish that combines the luminous dorsal iridescence of the Miyuki strain with the distinctive short-bodied, rounded form characteristic of the Daruma type. This unique blend results in a medaka variety that is both visually striking and highly sought after by enthusiasts.​

Origin and Development:

• Strain Name: Miyuki Daruma Medaka​
• Japanese Name: 幹之ダルマメダカ (Miyuki Daruma Medaka)​
• Year Developed: 2008​
• Original Breeder: Not specified​
• Lineage: Derived from the Miyuki Medaka, which was first discovered by breeder Takashi Suga in 2007.

Key Features:

• Dorsal Iridescence (Taigaikō): The hallmark of the Miyuki lineage is its shimmering dorsal stripe, known as “taigaikō” (体外光). In the Daruma variant, this iridescence is prominently displayed along the shortened body, enhancing its visual appeal.​
• Daruma Body Type: Characterized by a compact, rounded body with a reduced vertebral column, the Daruma form results from a genetic mutation affecting thyroid hormone levels during development. This gives the fish a distinctive, shortened appearance compared to standard-bodied medaka.​
• Color Variations: While the classic Miyuki Daruma exhibits a blue body with dorsal iridescence, selective breeding has introduced variations with white, yellow, and even sunset hues, each displaying the characteristic glow.​

Breeding Insights:

Producing Daruma-type medaka involves specific breeding techniques:​

• Temperature Regulation: Maintaining water temperatures between 28–30°C during the embryonic stage can increase the likelihood of developing the Daruma body type.​
• Selective Breeding: Crossing Daruma individuals can yield a higher percentage of Daruma offspring, though careful selection is necessary to maintain health and vigor.​

Conclusion:

The Miyuki Daruma Medaka stands as a testament to the diversity achievable through selective breeding in ornamental fish. Its combination of radiant dorsal glow and charming rounded form makes it a prized addition to any medaka collection, offering both aesthetic beauty and a glimpse into the intricate world of medaka genetics.

Image and translation courtesy of:  https://t-aquagarden.com/column/zukan_medaka_daruma_m#google_vignette https://medakazukan.net/0102_miyukidaharma/