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FishbeginnerFreshwater

Spotted Danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiCypriniformesCyprinidae

📍 Myanmar

Ask Finn

Small danio with rows of dark spots along the body. Hardy and active — great for cooler water community tanks. Underrated beginner fish.

Size1.8"
Min Tank10g
School6+
peaceful
Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Spotted Danios are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers supports digestive health.

Behavior

Spotted Danios are highly active, schooling fish that spend most of their time in the mid-water column darting and chasing. They are peaceful but energetic, requiring plenty of open swimming space and performing best in groups of at least 6 individuals. Their constant movement and social interaction make them engaging to observe.

Breeding

Breeding Spotted Danios in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including slightly cooler water (18-20°C), dense vegetation, and a separate breeding tank. Females scatter eggs among plants, and parents should be removed immediately as they will eat their own eggs. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body, mouth rot, loss of appetite, rapid gill movement

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication; isolate affected fish if possible

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden dust on body, clamped fins, rapid breathing, scratching behavior

Treatment

Dim lighting, raise temperature to 28°C, treat with copper-free velvet medication for 7-10 days, increase aeration

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Quick Facts

pH
6.0–7.5
diet
omnivore
maxSize
1.8 inches
minTankSize
10 gallons
temperature
64–77°F (18–25°C)

Temperature

64–77°F

18–25°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists