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.

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Overview

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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