Spotted Danio

The spotted danio looks very similar to the zebra danio but is smaller and has a different pattern: the upper half of the body has dark blue and golden horizontal stripes, while the lower half has rows of dark spots. It grows to about 3.5 cm. It comes from vegetated waters in the lowland and hilly regions of Myanmar. It is known to hybridize with the zebra danio; those who want to breed the two species pure should keep them apart.

• At least 54 liters and 60 cm in length for a school of 8–10.
• 21–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderately hard water.
• Plants along the sides, open swimming space in the middle; gentle to moderate flow.
• Use a lid since it jumps; do 25% water changes weekly.

Omnivorous. It readily accepts small flakes and granules; supplement with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops.

Peaceful and active, but somewhat more timid than the zebra danio. As a school it moves through the upper and middle layers; males engage in short chases among themselves.

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

Avoid: large predatory species, slow fish with flowing fins such as bettas.