Danionella priapus Care Guide
Danionella priapus is a translucent miniature cyprinid from India, where males bear a unique genital papilla between the pelvic fins.
Overview
Danionella priapus is a miniature, translucent cyprinid described by Ralf Britz in 2009. It belongs to a genus of paedomorphic fishes that lack scales and barbels. Males are distinguished by a conically projecting genital papilla located between the funnel-shaped pelvic fins, a feature that gives the species its name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae (subfamily Danioninae; also placed in Danionidae)
- Genus: Danionella
- Scientific name: Danionella priapus
- Described by: Ralf Britz, 2009
Habitat
The species is endemic to India, with the type material reported from West Bengal. As with other members of the genus, it occupies fresh waters of the Bengal region; the genus inhabits temperate and subtropical fresh waters.
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 densely planted aquarium with gentle filtration and low flow suits this delicate fish. Its very small size means it is easily overlooked, so subdued companions and a calm environment are important.
Diet
As a micropredator it requires very small foods. Suitable options include finely crushed dried foods, Artemia nauplii, microworm and sifted Daphnia. Frequent small feedings help maintain condition in a fish of this size.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and lives in the middle of the water column. Keep it in groups and pair it only with similarly tiny, slow-moving species such as small Boraras. Larger fish will out-compete or prey on it and should be avoided.
Breeding
The genus comprises egg-scattering spawners. Sexual dimorphism is clear, with males carrying the projecting genital papilla; this distinguishes Danionella priapus from related species during identification and pairing.