The Nabana Medaka (菜花メダカ) is a captivating ornamental fish that embodies the vibrant essence of blooming rapeseed flowers. Its name, “Nabana,” translates to “rapeseed blossom” in Japanese, aptly reflecting its bright and cheerful appearance.​

Origin and Development:

The Nabana Medaka emerged as a derivative of the Pink Sapphire breeding line. During the development of Pink Sapphire, three distinct color variations were observed:​

1. Pale pink body color​
2. Vivid pink body color​
3. Bright yellow body color​

While the first two variations led to the establishment of the Pink Sapphire and Sakura strains, the third—characterized by its luminous yellow hue—was selectively bred to create the Nabana Medaka. This strain also inherits the Aurora trait, which imparts a translucent quality to the scales, enhancing the overall brightness and imparting a delicate yellow coloration to the fins.​

Key Features:

• Body Coloration: A radiant, light yellow reminiscent of rapeseed blossoms, achieved through meticulous selection for brightness and clarity.​
• Iridescent Scales (Lamé): Dense, shimmering scales adorn the body, predominantly visible from a top-down perspective. These iridescent specks vary in color, including warm yellows and cool blues, creating a dynamic and eye-catching display.​
• Aurora Trait: The presence of the Aurora characteristic adds a layer of transparency to the scales, enhancing the luminosity and contributing to the fish’s delicate and ethereal appearance.​

Breeding Insights:

Achieving the desired bright yellow body color requires careful selection and consistent breeding practices. The focus is on maintaining the intensity of the yellow hue while preserving the density and variety of the iridescent scales. Attention to the Aurora trait is also crucial, as it significantly influences the overall aesthetic by adding transparency and enhancing coloration.​

Conclusion:

The Nabana Medaka stands as a testament to the artistry of selective breeding, combining a cheerful yellow hue with mesmerizing iridescence and delicate transparency. Observing a school of Nabana Medaka swimming gracefully evokes the image of a sprawling field of rapeseed flowers swaying in the breeze—a truly enchanting sight for any aquarist.

Image and translation courtesy of: https://medakazukan.net/post_lp/%E8%8F%9C%E8%8A%B1/