Nabana Medaka (菜花メダカ) – A Blooming Field of Yellow and Light

Nabana Medaka (菜花メダカ) is a charming ornamental strain inspired by the delicate yellow blooms of spring vegetables (“nabana” in Japanese). It features a bright, clear yellow body enhanced by dense lamé—sparkling prominently from the top view. With golden and bluish lamé scattered across its back, Nabana creates a floral impression in motion, especially when viewed under sunlight.

🌼 Name Origin & Meaning

The word “Nabana” (菜花) refers to the cheerful yellow flowers of leafy greens like rapeseed in early spring. True to its name, the medaka’s vivid yellow body and radiant lamé conjure the image of a field in bloom—an aesthetic both cheerful and elegant.

🧬 Origin & Lineage

• Breeder: Derived during the development of Pink Sapphire Medaka
• Genetic Path: A third lineage selected from the Pink Sapphire line’s yellow-bodied branch
• Related Strains: Pink Sapphire (ピンクサファイア), Sakura (さくら)

During the creation of Pink Sapphire, the breeder separated three distinct color paths:

1. Pale pink body ➝ Pink Sapphire
2. Vivid pink body ➝ Sakura
3. Bright yellow body ➝ Nabana

Nabana was selectively bred to retain the strong lamé qualities of Pink Sapphire, while focusing on a lively yellow body tone. The breeder specifically aimed for a light and clear yellow—not deep or dusky tones—bringing a vibrant, floral quality to the strain.

🎨 Physical Characteristics

• Body Color: Bright yellow with enhanced clarity and brightness
• Lamé: Dense dorsal lamé with warm golden and cool blue flecks mixed
• Fin Traits: Yellow highlights visible in fins, especially in top-view
• Scale Type: Aurora expression (オーロラ体型), allowing semi-translucency and depth
• Best View: Strong lamé presence in both side and top view—especially top

🔁 Breeding Tips

• Maintain yellow-body intensity by selecting bright, clear yellow specimens
• Favor individuals with dense dorsal lamé and fin coloration
• Lamé expression can vary from blue to yellow—select according to desired tone

🌸 Nabana’s Unique Appeal

What makes Nabana stand out is the density and brilliance of its lamé against the cheerful yellow base. Blue and yellow lamé particles mix together over a luminous body, creating a complex yet refined look. In groups, Nabana evokes a golden field in bloom—its name captured visually through color and movement.

🪞 Related Strains

• Pink Sapphire: Pale pink body with strong blue lamé
• Sakura: Vivid pink body with rich lamé expression
• Yamabuki Medaka: More traditional deep yellow tone, but less lamé density

🌟 Conclusion

Nabana Medaka is a refined and cheerful strain designed for those who love medaka with natural brightness and artistic beauty. Its elegant yellow body and mixed-color lamé provide both visual joy and strong breeding potential. Whether in a bowl or pond, Nabana brings a gentle springtime atmosphere to your medaka collection.

※ This article is based on breeder material originally published at https://medakazukan.net/post_lp/菜花.
※ Photo credit: SNR KOREA