Red Cap Medaka Rice Fish (Oryzias latipes)
The Red Cap Medaka Rice Fish is a striking and highly sought-after Japanese variety known for its unique bright red head (“cap”) contrasted against a clean white or translucent body. This eye-catching pattern gives them a koi-like appearance in miniature form, making them a standout in both aquariums and outdoor tubs.
🔴 Distinct Red Cap Pattern
Red Cap Medaka feature a vivid red to orange marking concentrated on the head, while the rest of the body remains pale white, cream, or semi-translucent. This sharp contrast creates a beautiful, elegant look that becomes even more pronounced under natural sunlight. Pattern intensity may improve with age, diet, and optimal conditions.
Appearance & Traits
- 🔴 Bright red/orange “cap” on the head
- 🤍 White to translucent body with clean contrast
- ✨ Smooth, non-metallic scales
- 🐟 Slender body with calm, graceful swimming behavior
Packaging & Sexual Dimorphism
All Medaka are unsexed unless otherwise specified. Males may develop longer dorsal and anal fins and appear slimmer, while females tend to have rounder bodies when mature or carrying eggs.
Care & Tank Setup
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons (≈20 L), with 10+ gallons preferred for colonies
Filtration & heater: Gentle sponge or HOB filter; heater optional depending on local climate
- Temperature: 64–78 °F (18–26 °C) (tolerates seasonal variation)
- pH: 6.8–8.2
- GH: 5–15 dGH
- KH: 3–8 dKH
- TDS: ~100–250 ppm
Best kept in planted aquariums or outdoor tubs with floating plants and gentle water flow. Red Cap Medaka are peaceful and do well in species-only tanks or calm community setups. Keep in groups of 6 or more for natural behavior and reduced stress.
Diet
Omnivorous: Feed high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and moina. Feed 1–2× daily in small portions.
Lifespan & Breeding
With proper care, Red Cap Medaka typically live 2–4 years. They are prolific and beginner-friendly breeders. Females may temporarily carry eggs before attaching them to plants, spawning mops, or other surfaces.
📦 Live Arrival Guarantee
All live fish are guaranteed to arrive healthy and active. In the rare event of a DOA (Dead on Arrival):
- 📸 Provide clear photos or videos of the unopened bag and deceased fish
- ⏰ Report within 1 hour of delivery to our support email (e.g. support@yourshop.com)
- ⚠️ Replacement or refund available for DOAs (shipping fees not refunded)
We are not responsible for courier delays, extreme weather, or mishandling, but we will work with you to resolve any issues. Allow 2–3 business days for claim processing.
🚚 Shipping Schedule
- Ships Monday through Wednesday to minimize transit times
- Live arrival guarantee applies only when temperatures are between 40–85 °F
- Heat or cold packs included as needed
- Contact us for special handling requests — we’re happy to help
⚠️ Note
Always test your water parameters before introducing new fish. We cannot refund or replace fish lost due to improper tank setup or parameter mismatch. Reach out if you need guidance setting up your Medaka tank.
