Danionella translucida Care Guide
Danionella translucida is a near-transparent miniature cyprinid from Myanmar reaching about 1 cm, kept in large peaceful groups.
Overview
Danionella translucida is a miniature cyprinid endemic to Myanmar, described by T. R. Roberts in 1986. It is almost perfectly transparent except for its eyes, with melanophores concentrated on the head, sides, posterior body and abdomen. Adults are among the smallest known fishes, and the species belongs to a genus that lacks scales and barbels while retaining a lateral line.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae (subfamily Danioninae; also placed in Danionidae)
- Genus: Danionella
- Scientific name: Danionella translucida
- Described by: T. R. Roberts, 1986
Habitat
The type material was collected from a slow-flowing, shallow stream in Myanmar (maximum depth around 1 m) among the roots of floating aquatic plants. It was found alongside Danio, Microrasbora, Erethistes and Oryzias species. The genus as a whole inhabits temperate and subtropical fresh waters of the Bengal region and Myanmar.
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 gently filtered, densely planted setup with low water movement suits the species. Because of its tiny size it is best kept on its own or with comparably small, calm companions.
Diet
A micropredator, it takes very small foods such as finely crushed dried products, Artemia nauplii, microworm, sifted Daphnia and chopped Tubifex. Feeding several small portions daily and offering variety supports condition in such a small fish.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and occupies mid-water levels. Suitable companions are similarly small, slow-feeding species such as Boraras, Microdevario or other nano cyprinids with matching water requirements. Larger or boisterous fish will out-compete it for food or treat it as prey and should be avoided.
Breeding
Females are deeper-bodied than males and gravid eggs are often visible through the body wall. Eggs (about 0.3-0.6 mm) are large relative to the body and are deposited in cone-shaped masses on the substrate, with clutches of roughly 3-10 eggs reported. Fry are tiny and initially require infusoria such as Paramecium and green water before accepting larger foods.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is also valued in neuroscience because its lifelong optical transparency permits in vivo imaging of neural activity.