Fish
Glowlight Danio
Danio choprae
Origin: The glowlight danio is endemic to northern Myanmar, living in shallow, clear streams and pools of the Irrawaddy basin with soft water, moderate flow, and dense vegetation. It has been in the hobby only relatively recently.
Also known as: Danio choprae, Danio choprai
Fact sheet
- Size
- 3 cm
- Lifespan
- 4 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–10 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 8+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The glowlight danio is a bright, tiny schooling fish with golden-orange markings and glowing vertical bars. Striking, calm, and small, it is superb for small planted aquariums. It keeps a shoal of at least 8–10; in a group the colour deepens and behaviour becomes livelier. A peaceful species for a community nano tank. It looks especially beautiful over dark substrate under soft lighting.
Appearance
The body is shallow and elongated, reaching 3–3.5 cm. Short turquoise-blue vertical bars cross a silvery-gold body, and an orange-red spot glows at the tail base. The back is olive, the belly pale, and the fins carry an orange tint. Males are brighter and slimmer; females are larger and fuller.
Care
A tank of at least 60 L with a lid, gentle flow, and live plants. Temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness GH 2–10. Stable parameters, good filtration, and 25–30% weekly water changes are needed. Dark substrate, driftwood, and diffuse light highlight the colour.
Feeding
An omnivore with a small mouth. It takes small flakes and micro-pellets and relishes live or frozen cyclops, brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, and micro-worm. Feed once or twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
Very peaceful and schooling. Ideal for nano tanks with rasboras, microrasboras, dwarf tetras, corydoras, and shrimp. Large or aggressive species are unsuitable. Keep in groups of 8–10 or more.
Breeding
Breeding is easy. Place a group or pair in a spawning tank with soft water and a protective mesh over the bottom. Eggs are scattered over the substrate; remove the adults after spawning. Fry hatch in 2–3 days; first foods are infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii.
Fun facts
The bright orange tail spot and turquoise bars give the species the name 'glowlight danio'. It was described in 1928 and named after the Indian scientist B. N. Chopra. In a tight shoal the fish are at their most active and colourful.