Tinwini Danio (Danio tinwini) Breeding Guide
Breeding Danio tinwini: sexing, conditioning, a dim egg-trap spawning tank, cool-water trigger and rearing the free-spawned fry.
Overview
Danio tinwini is a small Burmese danio that, like many small cyprinids, is an egg-scattering spawner exhibiting no parental care, per Seriously Fish. In a densely planted, mature aquarium small numbers of fry may start to appear without intervention.
Sexing
Sexually mature females are usually rounder-bellied and a little larger than males, with colour intensifying in males during spawning condition while females become visibly egg-laden (Seriously Fish).
Conditioning
Condition the adults together, then move conditioned pairs to the prepared spawning containers when the females are full of eggs (Seriously Fish).
Breeding Setup
- Small 10-15 litre spawning containers, very dimly lit (Seriously Fish).
- A mesh substrate that lets eggs fall through but prevents adult access, or plastic grass matting or Java moss.
- Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water at the upper end of a 22-26 C range.
- A small power filter directing flow lengthwise.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning is triggered by gradual top-ups with cooler water and feedings of small live and frozen foods; spawning typically occurs the following morning and females noticeably slim afterwards (Seriously Fish).
Egg & Fry Care
Adults consume the eggs and should be removed after about two days. Incubation is 24-36 hours (temperature-dependent), with fry free-swimming days later. First food is Paramecium or a 5-50 micron proprietary dry food, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworm when larger (Seriously Fish).
Common Challenges
Egg predation is the main hurdle, handled by an egg trap and prompt removal. The need for very small first foods over the first days is the other key constraint for new breeders.