Orange Tiger Medaka

About the Orange Tiger Medaka

The Orange Tiger Medaka is a spectacular Japanese Rice Fish variety, admired for its brilliant orange body decorated with bold black tiger-like markings. Developed through selective breeding in Japan, this premium Medaka combines vivid colouration with exceptional hardiness, making it a favourite among collectors and aquascaping enthusiasts.

Each Orange Tiger Medaka displays a unique pattern of orange, gold, and black, ensuring that no two fish are exactly alike. Under natural sunlight or quality aquarium lighting, their metallic scales shimmer with vibrant iridescence, making them an eye-catching feature in aquariums, patio tubs, and outdoor ponds.

Orange Tiger Medaka are active schooling fish that spend much of their time cruising the upper levels of the aquarium. They thrive in planted aquariums with floating plants, gentle water movement, and open swimming space. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal 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 maximise their vibrant colouration and encourage regular spawning.

Hardy, colourful, and easy to care for, the Orange Tiger Medaka is an outstanding choice for beginners, collectors, and anyone wanting a truly unique freshwater fish.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Oryzias latipes "Orange Tiger"

Common Name

Orange Tiger 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 Orange Tiger Medaka unique?

The Orange Tiger Medaka is known for its brilliant orange base colour overlaid with bold black tiger-like markings. Every fish has a unique pattern, making each individual distinctive.

How many Orange Tiger Medaka should I keep?

Orange Tiger Medaka are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Larger groups display more natural behaviour and confidence.

What do Orange Tiger Medaka eat?

They readily accept quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Orange Tiger 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 Orange Tiger Medaka live outdoors?

Absolutely. They are exceptionally hardy and are ideal for outdoor ponds, tubs, and water gardens in suitable climates, where natural sunlight often enhances their colours.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them alone

Orange Tiger Medaka are social fish and should always be kept in groups.

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 hardy, they thrive with regular maintenance and stable water parameters.

Leaving the aquarium uncovered

Like all Medaka, they are capable jumpers, so a secure-fitting lid is recommended.