Danionella cerebrum Care Guide
Danionella cerebrum is a tiny translucent Myanmar cyprinid, one of the smallest vertebrates and a model organism in neuroscience.
Overview
Danionella cerebrum is a miniature, optically translucent cyprinid described in 2021 by Ralf Britz, Kevin W. Conway and Lukas Rüber. Most internal organs are visible through the skin, and an open skull roof leaves the brain externally visible. These traits make it a prime model organism for cellular-level neurophysiology. Males also produce an unusually loud sound for their size.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae (subfamily Danioninae; also placed in Danionidae)
- Genus: Danionella
- Scientific name: Danionella cerebrum
- Described by: Britz, Conway & Rüber, 2021
Habitat
It occurs in streams on the southern and eastern slopes of the Bago Yoma mountain range in Myanmar, including the Yangon (Bago) area. These are relatively turbid, low-altitude freshwater streams and roadside canals, with reported surface temperatures around 30 °C and cooler water (about 25 °C) below 30 cm depth.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 10 individuals
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
A planted aquarium with gentle filtration and low flow is recommended. As an extremely small, fragile species it should be kept in a calm tank, ideally on its own or with comparably tiny companions.
Diet
It is a micropredator that requires very small foods such as finely crushed dried foods, Artemia nauplii, microworm and sifted Daphnia. Several small daily feedings are appropriate for a fish of this size.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and stays in mid-water. Only similarly tiny, slow-moving fishes with matching water needs make suitable companions; larger or active species will out-compete or prey on it and should be avoided. It also swims in a slower, more continuous manner than the zebrafish.
Breeding
Like its relatives it is an egg-scattering spawner. Members of the genus deposit eggs on the substrate, and fry are very small, requiring infusoria and other micro-foods before taking larger items.