Totenko Medaka

Discover the radiant symbolism of the Totenko medaka (Japanese name: 東天光メダカ) — a beautiful red hikari strain developed by Yukio Ōba (大場 幸雄) in 2004. Meaning “light of the eastern sky,” this medaka embodies the glow of a rising sun with its vivid vermilion body and shimmering dorsal light.

Learn more about the Totenko Medaka on our Medaka Encyclopedia page.

  • Creator: Yukio Ōba (大場 幸雄)
  • Released: 2005
  • Key Traits: Red hikari body, high fixation, symbolic name

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.
Option: 2 Juveniles (unsexed)

Get more, save more! 🎉

Buy quantityDiscount
Buy 2 - 3Get 5% off
Buy 4 - 5Get 10% off
Buy 6+Get 15% off
$25.00
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • All photos shown are original images taken by SNR MEDAKA USA. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited. Photos are for reference only — actual fish may vary.
  • 5 stars: 3 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Anthony

I ordered 6 juveniles and was thrilled to count 9 upon arrival! All alive, active, and curious. I have them in a holding tank for observation and a bit more growth before they make the final move into my little outdoor planted pond. Noticeable variance in size, the largest (3/4") being roughly 3x the size/length of the smallest (1/4"). Ultimately, the size difference is completely unproblematic, and the little guy is having no trouble competing for food or occasionally chasing around the bigger fish. Lost 1 Medaka on day 3, had been acting lethargic and mostly unresponsive to feeding and the rest of its little clan. Likely just shipping stress. We are now 6 days in and the remaining 8 have settled in and seem to be thriving. Observing healthy behaviors like: schooling, exploring, grazing, non-aggressive chasing. I am very pleased with this whole experience and am already excited to come back to SNR when I'm ready to introduce another strain!

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David

So far so good! Waiting for them to grow and breed!

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Virginia

Great service, fast shipping, and healthy fish—thank you!