Rose Danio

The rose danio is a close relative of the pearl danio and was long confused with it. Its slender, streamlined body has no distinct stripes; as it catches the light it gives off pink and purple reflections over a silvery base. It grows to about 4.5 cm. It comes from the hill streams of northern Indochina, so it likes cool, oxygen-rich water and adapts to a wide range of water values.

• At least 60 liters and 60–70 cm in length for a school of 6–10; long swimming space is important.
• 20–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderately hard water.
• Gentle to moderate current, high oxygen.
• Plants along the sides, open space in the middle; always use a lid.

Omnivorous. It readily accepts flakes and small granules; vary the diet with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae.

Peaceful but very active. As a school it moves through the upper layer; males chase the females and each other. Its speed can bother slow species with flowing fins.

Good companions: other danios, rasboras, barbs, corydoras, kuhli loaches, loaches.

Avoid: slow and shy species, bettas, large predators.