Blue Amber Lamé Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes) – Bred by Aquatic Arts™

Description

Species Overview

The Blue Amber Lamé Medaka Ricefish ( Oryzias latipes ) is a beautiful selectively bred Japanese ricefish variety that combines warm amber coloration with shimmering blue metallic flecks. Known as lamé , these reflective scales catch the light as the fish moves, creating a sparkling appearance that is especially impressive when viewed from above. The contrast between the amber body and blue iridescence makes this strain a distinctive addition to planted aquariums and outdoor container ponds.

Unlike many ornamental fish that are best appreciated from the side, Blue Amber Lamé Medaka offer a different viewing experience. Their reflective scales make them particularly attractive in shallow aquariums, patio ponds, and other setups where their coloration can be enjoyed from above. These peaceful, social fish are active near the water’s surface and are best maintained in groups where their natural interactions and movement can be appreciated.

The Blue Amber Lamé Medaka offered in this listing are Bred by Aquatic Arts™ through our own captive breeding program. These fish are raised at Aquatic Arts rather than collected from the wild, allowing customers to enjoy a distinctive ornamental Medaka strain produced right here in our facility. Individual fish may vary naturally in the intensity and distribution of their amber coloration and reflective blue lamé.

What We Love About This Fish

Shimmering blue lamé scales create a sparkling metallic effect that changes with lighting and viewing angle.

Warm amber body coloration provides beautiful contrast against the reflective blue highlights.

Exceptional top-view display fish that look especially impressive in shallow planted aquariums and appropriately maintained outdoor patio ponds.

Peaceful, social, and adaptable ricefish that offer an engaging alternative to traditional tropical community fish.

Bred by Aquatic Arts™ through our own captive breeding program, making this ornamental Medaka strain part of our growing selection of locally produced aquarium fish.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Oryzias latipes

Common Name: Blue Amber Lamé Medaka Ricefish

Source: Bred by Aquatic Arts™

Average Purchase Size: Approximately 0.75–1.25 Inches (1.9–3.2 cm), with individual size varying by age and development.

Average Adult Size: Approximately 1.25–1.5 Inches (3.2–3.8 cm). Blue Amber Lamé Medaka remain small, making them well suited to planted aquariums and appropriately sized container ponds.

Care Level: Easy. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka are hardy and adaptable when maintained in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality.

Temperament: Peaceful and Active. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka are generally excellent companions for other small, peaceful fish that share similar temperature and water requirements.

Diet: Omnivore. A varied diet of quality small prepared foods, frozen foods, and appropriately sized live foods supports healthy growth, coloration, and breeding condition.

Social Behavior: Social and Group-Oriented. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka are best maintained in groups of at least six, allowing them to display natural interactions, courtship, and loose schooling behavior.

Activity Level: Active. These curious ricefish spend much of the day exploring the surface, feeding, and interacting with other members of their group.

Aquarium Level: Upper Water and Surface. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka spend much of their time near the water’s surface, making them especially enjoyable to observe from above.

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A 10-gallon aquarium provides room for a small group, with larger and longer aquariums recommended for bigger groups and breeding colonies.

Lifespan: Approximately 2–4 Years with proper care.

Lid Requirement: Secure Lid Recommended. Medaka are capable jumpers, particularly when startled or during active courtship.

Aquatic Arts Tip

Unlike many tropical aquarium fish, Blue Amber Lamé Medaka do not require consistently warm water . Their adaptability to cooler temperatures makes them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums and seasonal outdoor container ponds when conditions are appropriate. For the best display, combine open surface swimming space with floating plants and view the fish from above to appreciate their reflective blue lamé scales.

Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements

Blue Amber Lamé Medaka Ricefish are hardy, adaptable fish that thrive in clean, stable freshwater with good oxygenation and plenty of surface swimming space. Unlike many tropical aquarium species, Medaka are naturally suited to cooler temperatures, making them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums and appropriately maintained outdoor container ponds.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C). This is a recommended range for routine aquarium care. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka can tolerate a broader temperature range, but prolonged extremes and sudden temperature changes should be avoided.

pH: 7.0–8.0. Neutral to moderately alkaline water provides suitable conditions for healthy growth, activity, and reproduction.

General Hardness (GH): 5–15 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable, although stable mineral content is more important than achieving an exact number.

Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3–10 dKH. Adequate buffering helps maintain consistent pH and prevents sudden changes in water chemistry.

Ammonia: 0 ppm

Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: Below 20 ppm preferred.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. A 10-gallon aquarium provides room for a small group of Blue Amber Lamé Medaka, while larger aquariums offer additional swimming space and greater water stability.

Filtration: Low to Moderate. Reliable biological filtration maintains water quality without creating excessive current near the surface.

Water Flow: Gentle to Moderate. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka prefer calmer surface areas where they can swim, feed, and interact without constantly fighting strong water movement.

Oxygenation: Moderate to High. Good gas exchange and gentle surface movement help maintain oxygen levels, particularly during warmer weather.

Aquarium Maturity: Fully Cycled and Established. Stable biological filtration is important before introducing Blue Amber Lamé Medaka, especially in smaller aquariums.

Aquatic Plants: Highly Recommended. Floating plants, mosses, and fine-leaved vegetation provide security, spawning surfaces, and valuable shelter for developing fry.

Lighting: Moderate. Good lighting helps reveal the reflective blue lamé scales and warm amber coloration. Natural sunlight can enhance their appearance, but outdoor setups must provide shade to prevent overheating.

Outdoor Container Ponds: Suitable With Proper Conditions. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka can thrive in appropriately sized outdoor containers and patio ponds when water quality, temperature, shade, predator protection, and seasonal conditions are carefully managed.

Seasonal Considerations: Outdoor Medaka should not be exposed to rapid temperature swings, overheating, freezing in shallow containers, or sudden changes in water quality. Seasonal outdoor keeping requires planning for local weather conditions.

Lid Requirement: Secure Cover Recommended. Blue Amber Lamé Medaka can jump, so indoor aquariums should have secure lids and outdoor containers should include appropriate protection against escapes and predators.

Aquatic Arts Tip

One of the greatest advantages of Blue Amber Lamé Medaka is their ability to thrive without the consistently warm temperatures required by many tropical fish. An unheated aquarium can be an excellent choice when room temperatures remain stable within their preferred range. For outdoor patio ponds, prioritize