Shan State Devario (Devario shanensis) Breeding Guide

Breeding Devario shanensis: sexing, conditioning, a dimly lit egg-trap spawning tank, warm slightly acidic water, and raising fry after a 24-36 hour incubation.

Overview

Devario shanensis is a danioin from the Duthawadi and Salween river systems in Shan State, northeastern Myanmar, where it inhabits fast-flowing, clear streams over rocky substrates. It reaches about 50-60 mm standard length and is an egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care.

Sexing

Females are deeper-bodied, less colourful and slightly larger than males. Nuptial males intensify in colour when reproductively active, which helps confirm a working pair.

Conditioning

Adults can be conditioned together on a varied diet in clean water; provide regular water changes to mimic the species' pristine flowing habitat before moving fish to spawn.

Breeding Setup

Use a separate, dimly lit spawning tank with a mesh or glass-marble base that lets eggs fall through, or alternatively fine-leaved plants or wool mops. Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral with the temperature toward the upper end of the range (around 24-26 C).

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

As an egg-scattering free spawner, the species typically spawns within 24 hours of a conditioned pair being introduced, releasing eggs that fall into the substrate trap below.

Egg & Fry Care

Incubation lasts 24-36 hours, with fry free-swimming days later. Begin feeding with Paramecium, then introduce Artemia nauplii and microworm once the fry are large enough.

Common Challenges

Maintaining the clean, well-oxygenated water this species expects is important during the fry stage, alongside the usual measures of an egg-trap base and prompt removal of adults to prevent egg loss.