Gold Ring Danio

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Myanmar (Burma), Mogaung river basin. Found in clear shaded forest streams with strong currents, smooth rocks and dense meadows of mosses or plants (Blyxa, Eleocharis).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Gold Ring Danio (Danio tinwini). Recently described (2009). It is a miniature version of classic Danios, but with a shorter body and a "leopard skin" livery.

Social Behavior: Peaceful but frantic, like many congeners. To alleviate its natural shyness and mitigate male hierarchical skirmishes, it must live in a large school (minimum 10-12).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Gorgeous golden/transparent base decorated with numerous clear irregular round blue-black spots, even on the unpaired fins (very rare appearance). More saturated amber males; silver swollen females.

Aquarium Setup: Despite being tiny, it requires 60-80 cm (24-32 inches) tanks to accommodate its urge for linear swimming. Create areas of rough current with the filter. Tightly fitting lid: they attempt to jump if surprised.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator and omnivore. Appreciates microgranules, powdered feed and abundant fine frozen food such as cyclops, lobster eggs and brine shrimp nauplii. Collects on the surface or falling, rarely on the bottom.

Water Quality: Appreciates temperate waters (20-24°C / 68-75°F) or even unheated if in livable rooms, and tolerates summer heat above 27°C (81°F) poorly. Oxygen must always be high, through aeration or rippling.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Splendid "dither fish" for small shy cyprinids (e.g. Danio margaritatus) or Southeast Asian rasboras. Never put it with large Cichlids or even with overly quiet companions.

Aquarium Reproduction: Free spawning amidst moss canopies at the first dawn sun. For the salvation of the brood, it is necessary to remove the moss or place the fish on separating nets, given their ravenous cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: Fatal apathy if kept in cramped tanks or if exposed to perennial high temperatures.