Tinwini Danio (Danio tinwini) Care Guide
Danio tinwini is a small Burmese danio with rows of dark spots on a pale body, a peaceful schooler for community tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Danio tinwini is a small Burmese cyprinid measuring just 20-30 mm when adult. It is distinguished by spotted (rather than striped) patterning extending into the unpaired fins. It is a peaceful schooling fish. Some recent classifications place it in the genus Brachydanio.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Danio (also placed in Brachydanio)
- Scientific name: Danio tinwini
- Common synonym: Brachydanio tinwini
Habitat
It is native to the Mogaung Chaung (Mogaung stream) in Myitkyina District, Kachin State, northern Myanmar, occupying slower-moving, well-oxygenated stream sections similar to those used by other small danios.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °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 planted aquarium with a tightly fitting cover, as this species is an able jumper. Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water suits it well.
Diet
It is an opportunistic feeder that accepts most foods. Offer good-quality dried products supplemented with small live or frozen items such as bloodworm and Daphnia for best condition.
Compatibility
It is generally peaceful and should be kept in a group of at least 8-10. It mixes well with other small danios and peaceful bottom dwellers such as Corydoras; very aggressive species should be avoided.
Breeding
It is an egg-scattering spawner with no parental care that spawns readily when well conditioned, typically in a mature, planted aquarium.
Tinwini Danio (Danio tinwini) Breeding Guide
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.