Orange-finned Danio

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Irrawaddy River basin in northern Myanmar. Populates pristine mountain and hill streams, thick with bamboo and rocky pebbles, characterized by cool and rough waters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Orange Finned Danio / Kyathit Danio (Danio kyathit). "Kyathit" in Burmese means "Leopard", referring to its spotted pattern, although there is a variant with continuous lines. Similar to Danio rerio, but more massive.

Social Behavior: Frantic, joyful, absolutely tireless. 100% gregarious: in schools of at least 8-10 units it best expresses the inter-male chases, which remain completely harmless.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Golden-bronze flanks furrowed by longitudinal series of sculpted black spots (or 3 or 4 solid horizontal stripes). Males are instantly recognized by the bright red-orange shades on the edge of all fins.

Aquarium Setup: The water current must be sustained to simulate the stream. Tank of at least 80 cm (32 inches) in length. Fine sand or smooth gravel substrate covered with polished river stones. Strictly closed tank!

Diet and Feeding: Essentially insectivorous diet. Flake food is tolerated very well, but mosquito larvae, bloodworms, daphnia and live Drosophila will dramatically emphasize the orange fins.

Water Quality: Tolerates winters at 18°C (64°F) and domestic temperatures up to 25°C (77°F) well. If it exceeds 26°C (79°F) for a long time, the fish will suffer respiratory distress and lose part of its visual intensity.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect for hill stream tanks together with Balitorids (Sewellia), Garra, Botias and other Cyprinids tolerant of cool water (Pethia). A nightmare for shy or slow fish (like Discus or Gouramis).

Aquarium Reproduction: Drops hundreds of non-adhesive eggs into the pebbly substrate. To save the eggs, a grid is needed or spawning on a thick carpet of Java Moss, then removing the parents (chronic egg cannibals).

Risks and Diseases: Primary risk of dying asphyxiated on the floor if the tank has open cracks. Fungal infections (Costia, Saprolegnia) are frequent in case of poor bottom hygiene.