Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae) Breeding Guide
Breeding Danio choprae: sexing, conditioning, a dim egg-trap spawning tank, cool-water trigger and rearing the free-spawned fry.
Overview
Danio choprae is a small Burmese danio that, per Seriously Fish, is an egg-scattering spawner exhibiting no parental care. Spontaneous spawning may occur in mature, densely planted aquaria, though controlled breeding yields better results.
Sexing
Females are rounder-bellied, less colourful and a little larger than males, with colour intensifying in males and egg-filling becoming apparent in females during spawning condition (Seriously Fish).
Conditioning
Condition pairs together, then introduce one or two pairs per container and feed small amounts of live and frozen foods to bring them to spawning condition (Seriously Fish).
Breeding Setup
- Small 10-15 litre containers, half-filled and very dimly lit (Seriously Fish).
- A mesh that lets eggs fall through but blocks adult access, or plastic grass matting or Java moss.
- Slightly acidic to neutral water at the upper end of a 16-26 C range (warmer preferred).
- An initial small powerhead directed lengthwise, switched to a mature sponge filter after egg-laying to protect fry.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning is induced by adding cool water gradually and feeding small live and frozen foods; pairs typically spawn the following morning, scattering eggs that fall through the egg trap (Seriously Fish).
Egg & Fry Care
Incubation is about 72 hours (temperature-dependent) and the fry become free-swimming a couple of days post-hatch. First food is Paramecium or a 5-50 micron proprietary dry food, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworm as the fry grow (Seriously Fish).
Common Challenges
Egg predation by the adults is the main risk, so an egg trap and prompt removal are needed. The very small first foods required during the first days are the other key hurdle for new breeders.