AMA – Q&A

The American Medaka Association is a volunteer-led organization formed by medaka keepers in the U.S. who are committed to promoting integrity, transparency, and education in the hobby. Our goal is to support responsible sourcing and help grow a healthy medaka culture.

Smuggled eggs are a major concern because their genetic lineage cannot be verified. Without documentation or direct connection to a known source, these strains often lack consistency and authenticity. This leads to widespread confusion, mislabeling, and dilution of established lines.

AMA promotes only traceable, high-fixation medaka with clear lineage to protect both the hobby and the original creators (作出者). Additionally, receiving or distributing smuggled eggs can carry serious legal consequences. Such actions can potentially make it increasingly difficult or outright ban medaka importation in the future.

It’s about pro-accountability and promoting best practices. We believe medaka strains with known origin and consistent traits deserve protection. Selling live fish instead of eggs is one step toward preserving the hard work of original creators (作出者) and reducing misrepresentation.

Eggs are easy to mislabel and difficult to verify. Selling live fish allows better quality control and traceability, helping protect both the buyer and the strain’s legacy. Medaka are so prolific, a single breeding pair will quickly give you the opportunity to experience the joys of raising fry.

Yes. AMA does not restrict sales. Our standards are for members who are committed to preserving values and lineage. We encourage best practices and transparency — how each member runs their operation is their choice, as long as it aligns with our principles.

For hobbyists who aren’t concerned with lineage and pedigree lines, we actually recommend affordable mixed sets of live fish as a great way to enjoy medaka without breaking the bank.

No. Our mission is education and to promote best practices for the serious enthusiast.

Initially, purchasing eggs may seem like an economical approach to collecting pedigree lines. But in the majority of cases, the end result is poor representations of the pedigree. If the next generation of eggs get sold or traded, the pedigree gets further diluted. This practice increases the likelihood that the majority in circulation will be diluted pedigrees.

From experience, serious enthusiasts know that best practice to acquire a new strain or add genetic diversity to an existing one in their collection- is by obtaining the highest quality pair of a pedigree available. For better quality control and traceability, helping protect a strain’s legacy.

As access to the number of quality pedigrees stateside grows, asking prices will go down. But if the only means to obtain quality pedigree specimens is by importing, prices will stay high; Simple supply and demand economics at play.

That’s why AMA emphasizes accountability and community. If there are credible concerns, we review them seriously. Members are expected to be transparent, honest, and to correct mistakes when they arise.

We’re focused specifically on medaka — and particularly on traceability, strain integrity, and education. We’re inspired by Japanese standards but adapting them to the U.S. hobby space. Our goal isn’t to replace other communities, but to complement them with a more focused approach.

Absolutely. AMA is open to anyone who supports our values. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, we’re here to learn and grow together.

Because medaka are incredibly diverse — and not all strains are stable. Fixation refers to how reliably a strain passes on its traits. Without it, a “strain” can disappear in a few generations. Lineage connects us to the strain’s origins and the work of its creator (作出者).

Not necessarily. Population genetics is important, but the issue isn’t about stopping all egg sales. It’s about preventing mislabeling and protecting the reputation of stable strains. Eggs carry more risk in strain misrepresentation. We want hobbyists to know what they’re getting — and give members who prioritize quality a way to stand out.

Many of us started with eggs and learned through experience. This isn’t about judging the past — it’s about setting a higher standard moving forward. Our aim is to improve clarity and accountability in a growing community.

Member listings are reviewed based on their commitment to our values, not their sales volume. We look at sourcing transparency, strain integrity, community engagement, and responsible practices. The honor system is central — but public accountability helps maintain that trust. As the organization grows, we plan to implement clearer guidelines and feedback channels.

We follow principles inspired by long-standing Japanese practices — including fixation rate, strain consistency, and trait classification (body type, eyes, light expression, etc.). We’re building resources to help people understand what those standards look like.

We’re learning from it — not copying it. Japan has spent decades refining medaka breeding. Their attention to quality and lineage is something we deeply respect. We believe the U.S. hobby can develop its own identity while still upholding those values.

To create a transparent, ethical, and well-informed medaka community in the U.S. We support education, collaboration, and access to trustworthy sources. It’s not about excluding anyone — it’s about helping the hobby grow in the right direction. Over time, we also hope this results in more high-quality medaka available within the US.