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FishbeginnerFreshwater

Hikari Medaka

Oryzias latipes

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygii

Variety of Medaka · hikari

📍 Japan

Ask Finn

The Hikari Medaka is a double-fin mutation where both the dorsal and anal fins take on the shape of the other fin, creating a symmetrical fish. A popular fancy variety in Japanese medaka breeding.

Size1.5"
Min Tank10g
School6+
peaceful
Zonetop

Care Guide

Diet

Hikari Medaka are omnivorous and accept high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like spinach for optimal nutrition.

Behavior

Hikari Medaka are peaceful, schooling fish that prefer to swim in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are active during daylight hours and exhibit graceful, deliberate movements due to their distinctive double-fin morphology. They are non-aggressive and spend time exploring plants and open water areas.

Breeding

Breeding Hikari Medaka in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable conditions with temperatures around 24-26°C and plenty of fine-leaved plants for egg attachment. Females are prolific egg-layers, producing small clutches regularly when well-fed and conditioned. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro foods.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Gradually raise temperature to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and stable parameters

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body, mouth rot, lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid gill movement

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform 50% water change, treat with antibacterial medication; maintain temperature at 24-25°C and ensure excellent water quality

Dropsy

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, scales standing out (pine-cone appearance), lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods; treatment is difficult; may indicate organ failure or bacterial infection requiring antibiotics

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