How to Choose a Medaka Seller

Are the photos of their own fish?

Ask whether the pictures show their fish or stock photos. Good sellers can tell you what you are looking at. Also ask how the fish are selected. Adults and juveniles look very different, and a listing should tell you what you will actually get.

Do they know their lines?

Medaka line names aren't fully standardized, so the same name can mean different things to different sellers. A good seller can describe the color and traits to expect, and whether a line was kept separate or mixed. If you want to breed for color, this matters more than anything else.

Read the guarantee, not the headline

Some sellers cover live arrival only, and others cover several days after delivery. Longer can be better, but check what proof they want and how fast you must send it. I ask for a clear photo by the end of the delivery day, then work out a fair resolution. Compare those terms with anyone else's and decide what you are comfortable with.

Ask how and when they ship

Fish do best when they don't sit in a warehouse over a weekend. Look for early-week shipping, fast service, insulation when the weather calls for it, and a seller willing to hold your order when it's dangerously hot or cold. Being told to wait for safer weather is a good sign, even when it's annoying.

Look for reviews you can trace

Reviews mean more when they come from verified purchases and describe specifics, like how the fish arrived. A long string of short, identical praise tells you less. Check more than one place if you can, including hobby groups, where buyers talk freely.

Check the price against what's included

Compare the total, with shipping, and how many fish you actually receive. Very cheap fish can be fine, and very expensive fish aren't automatically better. My guide on why medaka cost what they do explains what goes into the price.

Do they help before you buy?

Send a real question about your setup and see what comes back. The right answer sometimes is "wait until your tank is ready." Anyone who pushes a sale regardless of your setup isn't looking out for the fish.

Don't forget local

A local breeder, aquarium club, or fish store can be a great choice. You see the fish, and they skip the shipping trip. Online makes more sense when you want specific lines nobody near you carries.

Questions to ask any seller

• Are these photos of your own fish?
• How old or large will mine be, and can I choose males and females?
• What day do you ship, and what happens if the weather turns?
• What exactly does your guarantee cover, and what do you need from me?
• Do you keep each line separate?