Moustached Danio

The moustached danio has some of the longest barbels among danios and takes its name from them. Its golden-olive body is decorated at the front with dark patterns resembling a net or chain links, and towards the tail with horizontal stripes. It grows to about 10 cm. It comes from cool, clear, flowing streams in the Himalayan foothills, so it struggles in warm, still water. It is rarely seen in the hobby.

• At least 160 liters and 100 cm in length for a group of 6–8.
• 18–23°C, pH 6.5–7.5; cooling or strong aeration may be needed in summer heat.
• Strong current and high oxygen; gravel and stone substrate, sturdy plants.
• Use a tight-fitting lid since it jumps.

Omnivorous. It accepts quality flakes and granules; vary the diet with frozen mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. It eats small shrimplets.

A peaceful species that lives in schools, but an active one. It likes to swim against the current in the middle and upper layers.

Good companions: similarly sized species that like cool, flowing water: giant danios, barbs, current-loving loaches, rainbowfish.

Avoid: tropical species that need warm water, very small and shy fish, bettas and long-finned species.