Medaka (Japanese ricefish, Oryzias latipes) are small ornamental fish traditionally kept in Japan for centuries. They come in a wide variety of colors and body types, and their beauty is especially visible under natural sunlight.

We offer both. Some strains are imported from trusted creators in Japan, while others are homebred and raised outdoors here in North Carolina.

No. We only sell live fish to ensure transparency, health, and visible traits. Eggs are unpredictable and do not allow proper grading or sexing.

Yes, when available. We offer males, females, and confirmed breeding pairs. Please note that longfin and swallow-tail types may be difficult to sex accurately when young.

If a fish arrives dead, please send a clear video within 2 hours of delivery, showing the fish inside the sealed bag and again after opening. Once verified, we will issue a full refund for that fish.

In addition, we provide a 14-day live arrival & health guarantee when proper acclimation and basic care guidelines are followed.

Full details are available in our DOA & Shipping Guide .

Medaka are hardy fish and adapt well to outdoor environments when provided with sufficient depth, insulation, and seasonal care. If water freezes solid, fish cannot survive—depth and insulation are critical.

Yes. Medaka do very well indoors in aquariums or tubs. Full-spectrum LED lighting helps maintain health and coloration.

• pH: Around 7.0 (acceptable range: 6.5–8.0)
• Temperature: 70–90°F (21–32°C) during summer. In winter, temperatures vary significantly depending on outdoor conditions and may fluctuate between approximately 15°F and 50°F. Because our fish are raised outdoors, exact winter water temperatures are not continuously measured.
• Hardness: Natural GH/KH (not artificially adjusted)
• Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm

Stable water conditions, longer daylight hours (12–14 hours), and high-quality food help trigger spawning. Spawning activity is typically observed once water temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C). Floating plants or spawning mops are recommended.

Culling is essential to preserve body shape, color, and strain integrity. Without consistent selection, even high-quality lines can decline within a few generations.

Normal: Standard body shape
Hikari: Reflective body with modified fin structure
Daruma: Short-bodied and rounder

Yes. Glass aquariums work well. Plants and darker backgrounds help reduce stress and maintain coloration, especially in sensitive strains.

Yes. They coexist peacefully with shrimp and other small, non-aggressive fish. Very small shrimp fry may be eaten.

About 1 gallon per adult medaka is recommended under normal conditions, as more water volume provides better long-term stability.

This does not mean keeping a single medaka alone in a large tank. Medaka are schooling fish and naturally feel more secure in groups. The goal is to provide sufficient total water volume while housing them together in appropriately sized containers.

Yes. Separate fry containers, dense plants, or spawning mops are recommended to protect young fish.

Indoors: Maintain stable temperatures (65–75°F), light feeding, and good water quality.

Outdoors: Prevent complete freezing, avoid disturbing the water, and reduce feeding as fish naturally slow down.

For a detailed explanation of how we overwinter medaka outdoors, including real-world setup and seasonal adjustments, we recommend reading our blog post: How I Overwinter Medaka Outdoors .

Medaka-specific dry foods, live foods such as baby brine shrimp, and naturally occurring insects or plankton in outdoor tubs.

Typically 1–2 years with proper care, though some may live longer in stable environments.

Yes. Aquariums and tubs should always be covered with a lid or net.

Live importation requires permits, inspections, and coordination. Many strains are produced by professional Japanese creators, which is reflected in the cost.

Prices vary based on availability, strain rarity, breeding difficulty, and seasonal conditions.

Yes. If fish health declines before shipping, we may delay shipment, offer a substitute, or issue a refund.

Yes. Please leave a note at checkout with your preferred delivery window. We do not ship to PO Boxes.

Hawaii: Import permit required; manual invoice issued.

Alaska: Manual shipping with adjusted costs.