Marmorated medaka
📖 Overview
Non-annual breeder. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium . In 2013 and 2018, the collected and observed specimens were only during the day and at TanjungTimbala, slightly south of the type locality, and at Lengkona in Lake Towuti. This species is collected with O. loxolepis and O. profundicola that form schools in gently sloping, shallow (< 1.5 m) shore areas with large boulders and submerged wood over sand and gravel. Other taxa occurring in samples included Paratherina spp., Glossogobius flavipinnis, G. intermedius, Glossogobius sp., Mugilogobius rexi, M. latifrons, and Nomorhamphus megarrhamphus. In Lake Lantoa, it inhabits gently sloping, shallow shores (1 m depth) with a large area of plants on a muddy substratum. It swims in schools and was collected in association with Telmatherina celebensis and Glossogobius sp. (an undescribed lake endemic: HK, pers. obsv.). Some individuals were infested with parasitic copepods. In Lake Mahalona, it also inhabits gently sloping, shallow shores (1 m depth) with large boulders over a sand and gravel substratum, covered with aquatic vegetation. Often, it also forms schools and co-occurring with Tominanga aurea, Glossogobius sp. (as for Lake Towuti), Glossogobius mahalonensis, G. intermedius, M. rexi, and Mugilogobius cf. hitam .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25. This species is distinguished (from O. profundicola, O. loxolepis) by the following characters: abdominal vertebrae usually 12, total vertebrae 29-31; D 9-10, A 22-25; transverse scales 10-11; body depth at anal-fin origin 24.8-30.1% SL and at dorsal-fin origin 20.2-25.3% SL; caudal peduncle length 12.0-16.3% SL; distinct nuchal concavity; lateral scales are more-or-less aligned parallel to midlateral stripe; male with elongated-shaped dorsal fin without yellow margin .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Marmorated medaka is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Egg clusters are carried by females under the ventral fin .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.5 - 8.5; non-migratory. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Oryzias Marmoratus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Marmorated medaka is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Marmorated medaka has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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