Black Golden Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes)

Black Golden Medaka (Oryzias latipes) is another highly desirable ornamental strain of Japanese rice fish, known for its bold contrast between deep black and metallic gold tones.

Overview

• Common Name: Black Golden Medaka
• Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes
• Size: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)
• Lifespan: ~2–4 years

Appearance

• Base Color: Rich matte or velvety black
• Overlay: Metallic gold sheen, often strongest along the dorsal area and flanks
• Fins: Usually translucent to slightly gold-tinted
• Variation:
  • Some strains appear almost fully black with subtle gold shimmer
  • Others show more pronounced “gold dusting” across the body

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

• Minimum: 5 gallons (10+ gallons ideal for groups)
• Works great in:
  • Planted aquariums
  • Outdoor tubs or ponds
• Gentle flow preferred (they are not strong current swimmers)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 10–28°C (50–82°F)
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• Hardness: Adaptable

Very hardy—excellent for beginners or outdoor seasonal keeping

Diet

• Omnivorous:
  • Micro pellets / flakes (staple)
  • Live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia)
• For best coloration:
  • Use high-protein + color-enhancing foods
  • Occasional live food boosts gold sheen

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Peaceful schooling fish
• Keep in groups of 5–10+ for best activity
• Compatible with:
  • Other medaka varieties (but may crossbreed)
  • Small, non-aggressive fish
• Ideal for species-only colonies if breeding for color purity

Breeding

• Very easy:
  • Females carry egg clusters briefly before depositing
  • Spawning occurs frequently in warm temps
• Provide:
  • Floating plants
  • Spawning mops

Hatching time: ~7–14 days depending on temperature

Colour Enhancement Tips

To bring out the gold shimmer against the black body:

• Use dark substrate or container
• Provide natural sunlight (outdoor tubs work great)
• Maintain excellent water quality
• Feed varied, nutrient-rich diet