Heavens Veil Medaka
A prized long-finned ornamental strain of the Japanese ricefish, known for its pearlescent pale-blue to silvery bodies and flowing, veil-like fins. Males in particular develop dramatically elongated dorsal and anal fins that give the strain its name.
Quick Facts
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Scientific name: Oryzias latipes
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Common name: Japanese ricefish / Medaka
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Strain: Heavens Veil (longfin, pearlescent)
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Adult size: Up to approximately 3.6 cm standard length, excluding finnage
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Temperament: Peaceful and social
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Temperature: 16–22°C
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pH: 6.5–8.5
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Hardness: 5–25 dGH
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Group size: Keep 8 or more where possible
Is this for you?
Perfect if: you want an elegant, hardy temperate fish with flowing fins and a pearly sheen, suited to planted indoor aquaria or shaded outdoor tubs.
Consider something else if: your display is permanently heated to tropical temperatures, or you keep aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates that would damage the elongated fins.
Why choose Heavens Veil Medaka?
Heavens Veil combines the famous hardiness of medaka with dramatic longfin shape and a pearlescent pale coloration that shows off beautifully from above. A group swimming through floating plants is one of the most graceful displays in the hobby.
Key Benefits
- Flowing, veil-like fins with pearlescent white-blue sheen
- Peaceful group fish, best kept in numbers
- Suits unheated aquariums and outdoor containers in most Australian climates
- Accepts small quality prepared, frozen and live foods
Care & Specifications
Provide a mature, well-filtered aquarium with dense planting, some surface cover and open swimming room. A base footprint of at least 45 × 30 cm suits a small group. This temperate species prefers 16–22°C; avoid permanent exposure to high tropical heat. Feed small portions of quality micro-pellets or flakes, supplemented with daphnia, brine shrimp or similarly sized foods.
What will you receive?
One healthy Heavens Veil medaka from the current batch. Sex is not selectable unless specified at purchase; males show the most dramatic finnage, while females are fuller-bodied with shorter fins. Individual sheen and pattern vary.
Acclimation & Introduction
Float the sealed bag for temperature equalisation, then add small amounts of tank water over 15–20 minutes before netting the fish into the aquarium. Do not add transport water to the display tank, and keep lighting subdued on the first day.
Ongoing Care
Hold water conditions stable with regular partial water changes. A secure lid is wise — medaka are agile jumpers, especially when new to a system. Conditioned males will darken slightly and display fins during feeding and courtship; that is normal and healthy.
Pairs perfectly with
Floating plants, fine-leaved stem plants, dark substrate, nerite snails and other peaceful species that enjoy similar cool, temperate water.
NTA Insight:
Longfin strains like Heavens Veil look their best in groups of eight or more with gentle flow. Strong filtration and fast currents tend to fray the flowing fins over time, so aim for soft movement if you want that signature veil look.
Before You Buy
Heavens Veil is a temperate to subtropical fish — confirm your tank's year-round temperature sits near the 16–22°C range before stocking alongside tropical species. Fin length and pearlescence vary between individuals and grades.
FAQ
Will all my fish have long fins like the photos?
No. Males develop the most dramatic finnage; females and younger fish show shorter fins with the same pearlescent colour.
Do they need a heater?
Usually no — this is a temperate species that does best in cool, stable water and can suffer in permanently warm tropical setups.
Can I keep them with other medaka?
Different strains can hybridise, so keep one strain per group if you intend to breed true Heavens Veil offspring.
