Youkihi Ricefish

Warm, luminous, and deeply rooted in Japanese aquatic tradition — the Youkihi Ricefish (Oryzias latipes ‘Youkihi’) is one of the most beloved and iconic fancy medaka varieties in Japan. Named after the legendary Chinese imperial concubine Yang Guifei (Youkihi in Japanese), this variety is celebrated for its soft, warm orange to golden-peach colouration that glows beautifully under aquarium lighting. A serene and elegant fish for any nano or outdoor aquarium.

Overview

Appearance

The Youkihi Ricefish displays a warm, soft orange to golden-peach body with a subtle translucent quality that gives it an almost ethereal glow. Their small, rounded fins and graceful swimming style add to their delicate, refined appearance. Under warm aquarium lighting, their peachy-orange tones deepen beautifully, making them a stunning addition to any planted or outdoor aquarium setup.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 64 – 82°F (18 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• General Hardness (GH): 6 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a group
• Lighting: Moderate to warm — enhances their golden-peach colouration
• Substrate: Dark substrate or natural sand brings out their warm tones beautifully
• Plants & Decor: Floating plants, Java moss, and fine-leaved stem plants for a natural feel and spawning sites

Diet & Feeding

Youkihi Ricefish are surface feeders and easy to feed:

• Staple: High-quality medaka or nano fish flakes
• Treats: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and mosquito larvae
• Tip: Colour-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids help maintain their warm orange tones

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful and adaptable. Great tank mates include:

• Other medaka varieties
• Small nano fish (Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras)
• Neocaridina dwarf shrimp
• Small snails (Nerite, Ramshorn)

Avoid housing with larger or boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food.

Breeding

Youkihi Ricefish breed readily in a well-maintained aquarium. Females carry fertilized egg clusters attached to their belly before depositing them on fine-leaved plants or moss. Eggs hatch in 10–14 days. Fry are tiny — feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially, then graduate to baby brine shrimp.

The Youkihi Ricefish is a timeless Japanese classic — gentle, beautiful, and easy to keep. Whether displayed in a dedicated medaka aquarium or a peaceful community setup, these warm-toned ricefish bring a touch of Japanese elegance and tranquility to any tank.