On November 16th, the 29th China International Pet Show (CIPS 2025)  held over four days, successfully concluded at Hall B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. The CIPS Global Medaka Championship was jointly established in 2024 by the CIPS and the Small Ornamental Fish & Shrimp Branch of the China Fisheries Association. It brings together top domestic breeders to showcase their independent breeding achievements. Medaka are small in size, lively, easy to care for, and particularly interesting to view from above. Their fin shapes, body colors, and swimming postures are clearly visible, with every turn and tail flick resembling a dance in the water. On-site, the event attracted numerous spectators who crouched down to observe, directly experiencing the agile charm of small ornamental fish.

This competition featured 13 individual event categories with a total of 40 awards (including the Overall Champion), and the top three positions in the team event, amounting to 43 awards across all categories. The total prize pool for the event was 5,000 RMB!

CIPS Global Medaka Championship

Award Announcement

Individual Event Results

Team Event Award Winners Announcement

1

Team Event Champion - Wolf Pack Team

Team Leader: Killifish Xiaoyu; Team Members: Killifish Xiaoming, He Ji, Qu, Banpo

2

Team Event Runner-up - Colorful Clouds of the South Team

Team Leader: Fish in the Abyss; Team Members: Jin Jian, Little Stone Pool Record, Zhi Yang, Tony Jian, Dongzhi

3

Team Event Second Runner-up - Riding the Waves Team

Team Leader: Lao Ying; Team Members: Great Tang Elegant Jian, Chuanze, Yun Dan Feng Qing, Leyu, Yunying, A Little Pear

As the first professional competition in the domestic ornamental medaka field to offer prize money, although the amount was limited, it sparked enthusiastic attention and active discussion among participating fish enthusiasts. For the enthusiasts, the value of this prize money does not lie solely in the monetary amount. Rather, the honor stems from their own bred (or selectively bred) ornamental medaka standing out through competition in the highest-level domestic ornamental medaka event. It serves as powerful proof that their breeding achievements have gained widespread recognition within the industry in a competitive setting. Furthermore, it carries the dedication and passion of the enthusiasts for ornamental medaka breeding. This recognition and sense of accomplishment far surpass the prize money itself.

The successful conclusion of the 2025 CIPS Global Medaka Championship not only provided a professional platform for enthusiasts to showcase breeding achievements and exchange selective breeding experience but also reflected the vibrant ecosystem of the domestic ornamental medaka industry. For practitioners and hobbyists dedicated to improving medaka quality through selective breeding and independent breeding, the event clearly demonstrated that precise breeding direction and enduring dedication are the core essentials for cultivating high-quality varieties.

• The outstanding performance of the Wolf Pack Team in the online judging of the team event provided highly valuable references for the industry regarding the introduction of new varieties and grasping market trends.

• Participants focusing on classic varieties, through their persistence, interpreted the significance of heritage.

• The "Wen Yao" entry submitted by Dongzhi highlighted the breakthroughs and potential of the new generation of breeders in independent breeding and in-depth exploration of varietal traits.

This event gathered the power of heritage and innovation, witnessing the blossoming of dedication and passion. Let us look forward to the commencement of the next competition, witness the birth of more high-quality medaka varieties, and jointly propel the domestic ornamental medaka industry towards a new stage of higher-quality development.