Orange-finned Danio (Danio kyathit) Care Guide
Danio kyathit is a Burmese danio with orange fins, occurring in spotted and striped forms; a hardy, peaceful schooling fish.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Danio kyathit, the orange-finned danio, is a Burmese cyprinid that reaches about 40-45 mm standard length. It occurs in two genetically distinct patterns, spotted and striped, with some individuals showing intermediate markings. It is an active, peaceful schooling fish. In some recent revisions it has been placed in the genus Brachydanio.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Danio (also placed in Brachydanio)
- Scientific name: Danio kyathit
- Common synonym: Brachydanio kyathit
Habitat
It is found in northern Myanmar near Myitkyina, in tributaries of the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River. The type locality is a small, shaded stream with dense marginal bamboo growth; the water is flowing, clear and slightly brownish over mud and stone substrates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (8-10 recommended)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Provide a long tank with moderate filter flow and a tight-fitting cover, as the species is an accomplished jumper. A well-furnished aquarium with open swimming space suits its active habits.
Diet
Naturally it feeds on insects and their larvae. In the aquarium it accepts most foods; supplementing dried staples with small live or frozen items such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia improves colour and condition.
Compatibility
It is a very peaceful fish, well suited to a furnished community tank, and should be kept in groups of at least 8-10. Suitable companions are other active danios of similar size.
Breeding
It is an egg-scattering spawner with no parental care. It spawns readily in well-planted, mature aquaria, and controlled breeding uses small containers with spawning media to collect the eggs.
Orange-finned Danio (Danio kyathit) Breeding Guide
Overview
Danio kyathit is a Burmese danio that practices egg-scattering with no parental care, per Seriously Fish. In a well-established, densely planted tank fry may appear spontaneously, but controlled breeding yields better results.
Sexing
Sexually mature females are usually rounder-bellied, slightly less colourful and a little larger than males, with the visual difference intensifying as the fish prepare to spawn (Seriously Fish).
Conditioning
Condition the adult group together, then transfer one or two pairs to small spawning containers of 30-40 litres, half-filled (Seriously Fish).
Breeding Setup
- Small 30-40 litre spawning container, half-filled, filled with Java moss, wool mops or a spawning grid (Seriously Fish).
- Slightly acidic to neutral water at the upper end of the species' 16-26 C tolerance.
- An internal power filter directing flow lengthwise, switched to a mature sponge filter for the fry.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Trigger spawning by adding small amounts of cool water over hours and feeding small live and frozen foods, or by performing a large 50-60% water change in the evening. Multiple spawning cycles occur before females are spent (Seriously Fish).
Egg & Fry Care
Remove adults immediately on spotting eggs, as they consume them. Incubation usually takes 24-36 hours with the young free-swimming a few days later, and Artemia nauplii or similar serves as a first food (Seriously Fish).
Common Challenges
As with other danios, egg predation is the main obstacle, addressed by spawning media and prompt adult removal. Maintaining a series of spawns until the females are spent helps maximise the fry yield.