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About the Kohaku Medaka
The Kohaku Medaka is one of the most elegant and sought-after Japanese Rice Fish varieties, inspired by the famous Kohaku Koi. Featuring a pristine white body adorned with vivid red to orange markings, each Kohaku Medaka has a unique pattern, making every fish an individual masterpiece.
Developed through selective breeding in Japan, Kohaku Medaka are highly prized for their clean colour separation, metallic sheen, and graceful swimming behaviour. Under natural sunlight or quality aquarium lighting, their brilliant colours become even more vibrant, making them a standout addition to aquariums, patio ponds, and water gardens.
Kohaku Medaka are peaceful schooling fish that thrive in groups of six or more. They enjoy planted aquariums with floating plants, gentle water movement, and open swimming space. Their calm temperament makes them excellent companions for freshwater shrimp, snails, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small Rasboras, Corydoras, and other peaceful nano fish.
A varied diet of premium micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other live or frozen foods will enhance their vibrant colouration while supporting healthy growth and breeding.
Hardy, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful, the Kohaku Medaka is an excellent choice for beginners, collectors, and aquascaping enthusiasts looking for a premium Japanese Rice Fish.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name
Oryzias latipes "Kohaku"
Common Name
Kohaku Medaka
Origin
Captive-bred Japanese variety
Adult Size
3–4 cm
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size
40 Litres
Temperature
10–28°C
pH
6.5–8.0
Water Hardness
5–20 dGH
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
3–5 Years
Suitable For
Nano aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, and outdoor ponds
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kohaku Medaka unique?
The Kohaku Medaka is admired for its crisp white body with vibrant red or orange markings, resembling the famous Kohaku Koi. Every fish has its own unique pattern.
How many Kohaku Medaka should I keep?
Kohaku Medaka are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six. Larger groups display more natural behaviour and confidence.
What do Kohaku Medaka eat?
They thrive on quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other small live or frozen foods.
Can Kohaku Medaka live with shrimp?
Yes. They are peaceful and make excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.
Can Kohaku Medaka live outdoors?
Absolutely. Kohaku Medaka are well suited to outdoor ponds and tubs in suitable climates, where natural sunlight often enhances their vibrant colours.
Common Mistakes
Keeping them alone
Kohaku Medaka are social fish and thrive in schools of six or more.
Housing them with large predatory fish
Choose peaceful tank mates that won't prey on these small fish.
Overfeeding
Feed small portions once or twice daily to maintain excellent water quality.
Poor water quality
Although very hardy, regular maintenance and stable water conditions will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Leaving the aquarium uncovered
Kohaku Medaka are capable jumpers, so a secure-fitting lid is highly recommended.
