Red Tiger (Aka Tora) Medaka
The Red Tiger Medaka (Japanese name: 赤虎メダカ, pronounced Aka Tora) is a striking ornamental strain named for its fierce, tiger-like appearance. “Aka” means red, and “Tora” means tiger — a fitting name for a fish that combines vibrant red-orange coloration with bold black markings.
This variety stands out with its deep red body and irregular black streaks or patches, typically along the dorsal line, head, or fins. The contrast gives each fish a wild, dynamic look, and no two individuals are exactly the same. Under natural light, the black patterns become even more pronounced, especially in outdoor tubs.
Originally developed from high-grade red lines such as Yokihi, the Aka Tora has been selectively bred to enhance both color intensity and the “tiger” expression. Breeders value this strain for its uniqueness, strong visual impact, and solid genetics.
Find more insights and photos of the Red Tiger Medaka on our Medaka Encyclopedia page.
Understanding Live Fish Options
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option when purchasing live medaka from our shop. Sizes and sexing are carefully selected, but please note that fish may vary slightly by strain, age, and growth rate.
Juvenile (Unsexed)
Young fish, typically 1.0–2.5 cm in size. They are too early to sex and often have not fully developed their final traits yet. As such, they are not graded for color, pattern, or fin type at this stage.
Female
Confirmed female medaka, usually 2.5–3.5 cm. Selected by experienced staff, but please note that 100% accuracy cannot be guaranteed for younger fish.
Male
Confirmed male medaka, also typically 2.5–3.5 cm. Identified by fin shape and behavior, but final confirmation may develop with maturity.
Breeding Pair (1 Male + 1 Female)
One male and one female—ideal for those starting a breeding line or looking for a guaranteed pair.
Trio (2 Females + 1 Male)
One male and two females. This setup helps maximize egg production and is commonly used by breeders.
SS Grade Pair
A premium hand-selected male and female pair with top-level traits. These are our highest-grade specimens, chosen for exceptional color, form, and balance — ideal for serious breeders and collectors.
⚠️ Please note: Sexing is done to the best of our ability at the time of shipping. Juveniles cannot be sexed or graded for traits. Some strains—especially short-body types like Daruma—naturally grow smaller than standard-bodied medaka. In some cases, longfin or swallow-tail varieties may be difficult to sex accurately due to their flowing fins and slower development. If you believe there is an error in the sex of the fish you received, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact Us page.
🐟 If your goal is serious breeding, we highly recommend purchasing multiple breeding pairs or at least two trios. Just like people, medaka have their own personalities and chemistry — and not all combinations will result in successful breeding. Having more than one group increases your chances of forming compatible pairs and achieving strong egg production.
Get more, save more! 🎉
| Buy quantity | Discount |
|---|---|
| Buy 2 - 3 | Get 5% off |
| Buy 4 - 5 | Get 10% off |
| Buy 6+ | Get 15% off |
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Important Information
Important Information
Imported in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. All options currently available are U.S.-bred.
Our fish are raised outdoors in North Carolina, under natural sunlight.
As of September 2025, outdoor temperatures range from the 60s to mid-70s (°F), with a stable pH around 7.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Live Fish Shipping Rates (Flat Rate – Continental U.S. Only)
To make things easier and ensure your medaka arrive safe and sound, we've introduced a flat rate shipping system so you can shop without worrying about complicated or unexpected shipping costs.
| Box Size | Max Fish | Max Pairs | UPS 3 Day Select | UPS 2nd Day Air | UPS Next Day Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 10 fish | Up to 5 pairs | $19.99 | $22.99 | $57.99 |
| Medium | Up to 20 fish | Up to 10 pairs | $25.99 | $34.99 | $59.99 |
| Large | Up to 30 fish | Up to 15 pairs | $34.99 | $47.99 | $83.99 |
Additional Notes:
- Hawaii & Alaska: Excluded from flat rate shipping.
- $3 packing fee per order – includes insulation, styrofoam box, and materials
- Dry goods ship free when purchased alone. If combined with live fish, only the live fish shipping rate applies.
- No USPS – we use UPS only for all live fish orders.
- Free shipping on orders over $500
- All live fish orders are covered by our DOA guarantee, regardless of shipping speed
- Local pickup is free but must be pre-arranged before purchase
Shipping Schedule:
- We ship only on Mondays and Tuesdays to minimize weekend delays.
- Orders placed after Tuesday 12 PM EST will be shipped the following Monday.
Delayed Shipment Claim:
If your package arrives later than your selected UPS service, you may file a claim with UPS. Please take photos of the shipping label and the box and email them to snrmedaka@gmail.com.
Dry Goods Free Shipping:
Dry goods are shipped via USPS Ground or First Class, depending on the total weight. If you need faster delivery, you may request expedited shipping for an additional fee. Please contact us via email to arrange upgraded shipping: snrmedaka@gmail.com
