Northern Medaka (Oryzias sakaizumii)

Family: Adrianichthyidae

Northern Medaka — a Adrianichthyidae from Japan, calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life. Reaches 3–4.4 cm; small groups recommended. 18–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–25 °C
pH
7–8
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
3–4.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm, undemanding and well-suited to community life
Origin
Japan

Species overview

Oryzias sakaizumii is a Adrianichthyidae from Japan. Its calm temperament and broad diet make it one of the more forgiving residents of a community tank. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 3–4.4 cm. Small groups recommended. Stable water, regular partial changes and a varied diet cover nearly everything it needs. Maintain 18–25 °C at pH 7–8. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups recommended
Diet
Unfussy omnivore; varied diet keeps condition
Recommended tankmates
  • Robust schooling cyprinids — Add activity without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Much larger predators — Risk at night

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Spawns freely; remove parents to save the eggs