Tropical Sunset Medaka – トロピカルサンセットメダカ

Where the serene glow of sunset meets aquatic elegance

Physical Characteristics
The Tropical Sunset Medaka is a captivating improved medaka variety celebrated for its unique combination of albino traits and luminous body features.

Key characteristics include:

• Albino phenotype with red eyes and a translucent, creamy-white body due to lack of melanin
• Pale body coloration, resulting from the absence of black and yellow pigments
• External iridescence (体外光): A narrow, greenish-yellow reflective line along the back, giving a soft, glimmering glow
• Internal glow (体内光): A bluish-white luminescence visible inside the body under certain lighting conditions, adding depth and mystery
• Occasional iridescent fins, enhancing the overall glow and uniqueness

Name Origin
The name “Tropical Sunset” evokes the image of a warm, glowing sky over the horizon—perfectly reflecting the medaka’s delicate light and soft tones.

Origin and Development

• Developer: Mr. Hiroaki Takada (高田紘章)
• Affiliation: HAKUADO – a breeder specializing in albino medaka, based in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
• Year of Development: 2020
• Breeding Goal: To blend albino characteristics with the greenish iridescence of the Ryokukō (緑光) line, producing a medaka that exhibits both external and internal luminescence

Distinction from Similar Varieties
The Tropical Sunset Medaka is often compared to the Albino Miyuki (アルビノ幹之), but several traits set it apart:

• Finer, greenish dorsal line as external iridescence, compared to the wider, bluish shine in Albino Miyuki
• Iridescent fins, which are typically more prominent in Tropical Sunset
• Internal glow, giving the fish a multi-dimensional, almost ethereal presence

Breeding Tips

• Select individuals that clearly display both external and internal iridescence
• Maintain the signature greenish-yellow dorsal line and internal bluish tone by selectively pairing ideal specimens
• Although not every fry will show both traits, careful selection improves consistency in future generations

Conclusion
The Tropical Sunset Medaka embodies the artistry of refined medaka breeding. With its warm, tranquil tones and glowing expressions, it brings a soft and graceful light to any pond or aquarium. A beautiful choice for collectors who admire both uniqueness and serenity.

Sources / 出典:

• 改良メダカWEB図鑑 – トロピカルサンセット
• めだかの館ブログ – トロピカルサンセットとアルビノ幹之の違い