White Medaka

About the White Medaka

The White Medaka is a beautiful selectively bred variety of the Japanese Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes), prized for its elegant pearly white body and graceful swimming behaviour. Its clean, luminous appearance makes it a standout addition to ponds, nano aquariums, planted tanks, and aquascapes. Under natural sunlight or quality aquarium lighting, the White Medaka develops a subtle iridescent sheen that enhances its simple yet striking beauty.

Originating from Japan, Medaka have been selectively bred for centuries into a wide range of colours and patterns. The White Medaka is one of the most popular varieties due to its hardiness, peaceful temperament, and adaptability to a wide range of water conditions.

White Medaka are highly social fish and thrive when kept in groups of at least 6–8. They are active surface swimmers and are ideal companions for other peaceful species such as Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, small Rasboras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Blue-eye Rainbowfish, and freshwater shrimp.

These hardy fish perform exceptionally well in both indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds, tolerating cooler temperatures better than many tropical species. A varied diet of premium micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other live or frozen foods will encourage excellent health, vibrant colouration, and successful breeding.

Peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, the White Medaka is an outstanding choice for beginners, aquascapers, and collectors of Japanese rice fish.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Oryzias latipes

Common Name

White Medaka

Origin

Captive-bred variety originating from Japan

Adult Size

3–4 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

30 Litres

Temperature

16–28°C

pH

6.5–8.0

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, nano tanks, outdoor ponds, shrimp tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

How many White Medaka should I keep?

White Medaka are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6–8. Larger groups display more natural behaviour and create a beautiful schooling display.

Can White Medaka live outdoors?

Yes. White Medaka are excellent pond fish and tolerate cooler temperatures far better than most tropical species, making them ideal for outdoor ponds in many parts of Australia.

What do White Medaka eat?

They thrive on premium micro pellets, quality flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can White Medaka live with shrimp?

Yes. They are excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but adults are completely safe.

Are White Medaka easy to breed?

Yes. They readily breed in mature aquariums and ponds. Females carry clusters of eggs beneath their abdomen before depositing them onto fine-leaved plants, mosses, or spawning mops.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them alone

White Medaka are social fish and become less active and confident when kept in small numbers.

Housing them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful community species that won't harass these gentle surface-dwelling fish.

Poor water quality

Although hardy, White Medaka thrive in clean, stable water with regular maintenance.

Feeding only dry foods

A varied diet including live and frozen foods promotes better colouration, breeding, and overall health.

Providing no floating plants

Floating plants and spawning mops provide security, reduce stress, and offer ideal spawning sites.