Glowlight Danio

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to northern Myanmar (Burma), particularly in the Mogaung river. Populates shallow mountain streams with crystal clear water, strong currents and pebbly substrates.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Glowlight Danio (Celestichthys choprae, formerly Danio choprae). Miniature cyprinid (max 3 cm / 1.2 inches). Shares the Celestichthys genus with the famous Galaxy Rasbora (C. margaritatus).

Social Behavior: Extremely gregarious, lively and tireless. Swims frantically throughout the entire volume of the tank. Must be kept in thick schools (10-15 specimens minimum) to distribute the intra-specific aggression of the males.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Neon" livery: body crossed by a thick horizontal fluorescent orange/red line (Glowlight), topped by bluish vertical bars. Males more slender and with bright red/orange colors; females more opaque and roundish.

Aquarium Setup: Tank developed in length (minimum 80 cm / 32 inches) to accommodate the sprint in swimming. Requires highly oxygenated and well-moved water, fine gravel or smooth pebbles bottom and free central space. Tightly closed lid (formidable jumpers).

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous micropredator. Extremely voracious, accepts commercial microgranules, finely chopped flakes and attacks bloodworms, daphnia or brine shrimp nauplii with ferocity (excellent for enhancing the red tint).

Water Quality: Requires temperate or moderately cool waters (22-26°C / 71-79°F, also tolerating 20°C / 68°F in winter), very clean and not excessively calcareous. pH around neutrality or slightly acidic.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for Asian rheophilic aquariums. Should not be paired with timid, slow or freeze-dried sized fish (such as Boraras brigittae) that would be stressed by its frenzy. Excellent with medium-sized Botia or Garra.

Aquarium Reproduction: Continuous breeder. In a mature and densely planted aquarium or with Java moss, some eggs escape the predation of the parents (very hungry for their own brood) and hatch on their own.

Risks and Diseases: Robust and undemanding, it only suffers from prolonged summer temperatures above 28°C / 82°F (which drastically shorten its metabolism) and lack of oxygen.