Pink Sapphire Medaka – ピンクサファイアメダカ

A graceful jewel of the water, glowing in pink and sapphire blue

Physical Characteristics
The Pink Sapphire Medaka is an elegant ornamental medaka variety that features a translucent, soft pink body accented with vivid sapphire-blue lame (glittering scales) along the dorsal line. The contrast of delicate pink and radiant blue evokes the image of a pink sapphire gemstone shimmering in light.

• Body Color: Light, clear pink with a transparent, aurora-like sheen
• Lame (Iridescent Glitter): Bright sapphire-blue glitter distributed along the back
• Scale Type: Aurora (semi-transparent), enhancing brilliance and depth
• Viewing Appeal: Stunning from both top and side views, especially in white containers or under natural light

Origin and Development

• Year of Development: 2022
• Original Breeder (作出者): Toshihiro Wada (和田 敏拓), of Medaka no Yakata (めだかの館)

The development of the Pink Sapphire Medaka was a multi-step process that began in July 2020 and concluded in April 2022 with the establishment of the stabilized strain. Highlights from its breeding journey include:

1. July 2020: Initial cross between Spot Lame and Black Diamond strains
2. November 2020 – February 2021: Selection of aurora pink-bodied F2 generation individuals
3. June 2021: Stabilization of Aurora Pink Lame and cross with Sapphire variety
4. January 2022: Discovery of individuals showing pink body + blue lame
5. April 2022: Final fixation of the desired traits
6. August 15, 2022: Officially named “Pink Sapphire Medaka” after confirming name uniqueness
7. October 1, 2022: Publicly introduced at the 13th Autumn Japanese Medaka Exhibition
8. October 9, 2022: First release for sale at the Medaka Village Market

A key point in its breeding is that yellow pigmentation in the body can reduce the visibility of the blue lame. To enhance contrast, breeders should focus on pink-bodied individuals free of yellow tones.

Conclusion
The Pink Sapphire Medaka is a triumph of medaka breeding—an exquisite balance of soft elegance and striking shimmer. Its transparent pink tone, sapphire-blue highlights, and refined presence make it one of the most visually stunning modern strains. A perfect addition for serious collectors seeking something truly special.

Sources / 出典:

• 改良メダカWEB図鑑 – ピンクサファイアメダカ
• めだかの館ブログ – ピンクサファイアの作出と命名の経緯