Orange-finned Danio

The orange-finned danio is built like the zebra danio but has a finer pattern and warmer colors. Two natural patterns occur on its light golden body: in one form there are dark horizontal stripes along the body, while in the other these stripes are replaced by rows of dark spots. In both forms the fins, especially the anal and tail fins, are bright orange-red.

It grows to about 4 cm. It is a hardy species that is easy to feed; because it is somewhat calmer than the zebra danio, it is a more compatible choice for planted community aquariums. The spotted form is sometimes sold under a separate name in the trade, but it is the same species.

It lives in northern Myanmar, in clear streams flowing through the hilly regions of the upper Irrawaddy River basin and in the shallow, vegetated stretches along their banks. The water is flowing, rich in oxygen and close to neutral; it cools down with the seasons.

• Volume: at least 60 liters and 60 cm in length for a school of 8–10.
• Water: 21–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderately hard water.
• Flow: gentle to moderate current and high oxygen.
• Layout: sand or fine gravel substrate, plants along the sides, open swimming space at the front.
• Lid: it jumps; a lid is essential.

Omnivorous. It readily accepts flakes and small granules; frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae bring out the orange tones. It takes most of its food from the surface.

Peaceful and active. As a school it moves through the upper layer; males chase the females and each other and display by flaring their fins. It is not aggressive towards other species.

Good companions: other small danios, rasboras, small tetras, corydoras, kuhli loaches, otocinclus, Neocaridina shrimp.

Avoid: large predatory species, very slow fish with flowing fins, species that need warm water.

At least 8, ideally 10 or more individuals. In a large school the chasing is spread out and the fish swim in the open. Kept in small numbers, a dominant male can wear out the others. The striped and spotted forms can be kept together, but breeders who want to preserve the separate forms raise them apart.

It scatters its eggs among plants and gravel; there is no parental care and the eggs are eaten. A well-fed group spawns easily in a separate aquarium with an egg grid or moss. After the adults are removed, the fry become free-swimming within a few days; they are fed infusoria and then newly hatched brine shrimp.

A hardy species. Constantly warm, oxygen-poor water, jumping from a tank without a lid and poor water quality are the main risks. A 25% weekly water change is sufficient.

Males are slimmer; the orange-red in their fins is more intense and their base body color is more golden. Females have a fuller belly and are paler.