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.
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.