Description
Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae)
Overview
Danio choprae, commonly known as the glowlight danio or ruby danio, is a small, vibrant freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family, native to the fast-flowing, rocky streams of the Irrawaddy River drainage in northern Myanmar. Named for its striking orange longitudinal band and blue-black vertical bars, with yellow-edged fins, this species reaches a maximum length of about 1.5 inches (4 cm). Its active, schooling nature and peaceful temperament make it a popular choice for community aquariums, especially among beginner and experienced aquarists.
Care Requirements
Tank Size
Minimum 38 litres for a school of 6–10; 75 litres or larger preferred for optimal swimming space and group dynamics.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C); can tolerate brief dips to 64°F (18°C) but prefer 72–75°F for breeding.
- pH: 6.5–8.0 (adaptable but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline).
- Hardness: 2–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard, TDS <150 ppm).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: <50 ppm (ideally <25 ppm).
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; darker substrates enhance their vibrant colours.
- Décor: Well-planted with hardy species (e.g., Java fern, Anubias, Cabomba) and driftwood or rocks to mimic their natural habitat. Provide open swimming areas and moderate water flow via powerheads or filter outlets.
- Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow; sponge or hang-on-back filters work well. Ensure good oxygenation.
- Lighting: Moderate; use floating plants (e.g., Salvinia) to diffuse light and reduce stress.
- Other: Tight-fitting lid essential, as they are proficient jumpers.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20–30% weekly or 25% biweekly using dechlorinated water to maintain stable parameters.
- Tank Cleaning: Siphon uneaten food and debris; clean substrate lightly to avoid disrupting beneficial bacteria.
- Testing: Monitor pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate weekly with a reliable test kit.
- Equipment Check: Ensure filters and heaters function properly; inspect lid for gaps to prevent escapes.
Diet
- Type: Omnivorous, primarily micropredatory; feeds on small insects and larvae in the wild.
- Foods:
- Dry: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets (e.g., Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Fluval Bug Bites).
- Live/Frozen: Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, cyclops, Artemia for enhanced colouration and conditioning.
- Occasional: Blanched spinach or spirulina flakes for plant matter.
- Feeding: Small portions 2–3 times daily, consumed within 2 minutes to prevent overfeeding.
- Notes: A varied diet promotes vibrant colours and health. Feed sinking foods to reach mid-water levels where they feed.
Behaviour and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful, active, and shoaling; thrives in groups of 8–10 or more to reduce stress and enhance schooling Behaviour.
- Social Behaviour: Gregarious; solitary fish may become stressed or shy. Males may display mild dominance but rarely harm others.
- Compatible Tankmates: Small, peaceful fish: Neon tetras, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, white cloud mountain minnows. Bottom-dwellers: Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, kuhli loaches.
- Incompatible: Large or aggressive fish (e.g., giant danio, barbs), fin-nippers, or slow-moving species (e.g., guppies with long fins).
- Notes: Avoid mixing with overly boisterous species to prevent stress. Dither fish encourage natural Behaviour.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Type: Egg scatterers; spawn in shallow water over plants or substrate.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
