Danios General description
Danios are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. They are characterized by two pairs of long barbells that hang from their mouth. Most danios are extremely small in size and are often horizontally striped. Danios are extremely hardy and supremely adaptable, making them excellent choices for the beginner aquarists. In fact, their ability to adapt to a wide variety of water conditions makes them excellent candidates to cycle new aquariums.
Danios are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby.
Origins
Danio originate from the rice fields and swamps of Asia.
Color
Most species of danio are brightly colored and come in colorations of blue, red, yellow, silver and white.
Maintenance and care
Danio are an extremely active species of fish and like to swim against water currents and dart around aquariums chasing each other. It is important to provide them with an aquarium with large open swimming spaces as well as sufficient plant cover. Danios thrive when kept in large groups of 6 or more and are helpful in making more timid species of fish feel at ease.
Danio are extremely peaceful and adaptable. This makes them excellent tank mates for a wide range of tropical fish. However, they should not be kept with large, aggressive species that could harass them or eat them whole.
Feeding
Danios are omnivores and will readily accept most flake based foods and small aquarium pellets. Their diet should also be supplemented with live frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms and tubifex worms.
Danios are an extremely active species of fish and like to swim against water currents and dart around aquariums chasing each other.
Breeding
Danios are extremely prolific breeders and given the right conditions can often spawn at least once a week. They will however devour their own eggs and fry on sight, so a dedicated spawning tank is recommended. These spawning tanks should be densely planted or have spawning mops in which the fish can lay their eggs. Once spawning is complete, the parents should be removed and returned to the community aquarium.
Aquarium varieties
Zebra Danio, Pearl Danio, Gold Danio, Blue Danio, Giant Danio, etc.
Photo credit: Faucon/Wikimedia
