Jaintia Danio - Danio jaintianensis : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
While possessing a peaceful demeanour, Jaintia Danios (Danio jaintianensis) present a unique set of challenges due to their specific temperature requirements and relative rarity. As a result, recommending them for a general community aquarium becomes a difficult task. Instead, these captivating fish are best suited for a species-only setup or an aquarium that accommodates other small Cyprinids sharing a preference for cooler water conditions. Potential tankmates could include Loaches hailing from the genera Nemacheilus or Lepidocephalichthys, as well as Catfish such as Hara or Akysis. Adding Freshwater Gobies, such as Stiphodon spp and Rhinogobius, along with numerous species of freshwater shrimp, could also prove compatible.
Given their nature as schooling species, it is highly advisable to maintain Jaintia Danios in a group comprising a minimum of eight individuals, if not more. This approach not only reduces their skittishness but also showcases their best colours as males engage in stunning displays to vie for female attention. A visually stunning and biologically harmonious display can be achieved in a heavily-planted aquarium, complemented by a dark substrate or a carefully arranged setup reminiscent of a flowing stream or river. For the substrate, options such as gravel, varying-sized rocks, or large, polished boulders can be employed. In addition, consider incorporating additional powerheads or filter outlets to establish suitable water flow, ensuring to strike a balance that avoids excessively swift currents, as these small Danios typically inhabit calmer stretches of water in their natural habitat.
The introduction of hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum, Anubias, and Bolbitis, as well as the inclusion of driftwood roots and branches, enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides a semblance of natural habitat. However, ensuring a secure and snug-fitting lid for the aquarium is important, as Jaintia Danios possess remarkable jumping abilities and can easily navigate through gaps or openings.
Jaintia Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Jaintia Danios can be accomplished with relative ease. Sexually mature females typically exhibit a rounded body shape, subdued colouration, and a slightly larger size in comparison to males. Conversely, males boast vibrant hues, smaller body proportions, and a leaner physique when contrasted with females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio jaintianensis |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2007 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | India |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 2 - 8 |
| TDS | 18 - 143 |
| ℉ | 35 - 73 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 2 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
Jaintia Danios are indigenous to the Brahmaputra River system, specifically found within the Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India. These fish thrive in the serene waters of hill streams, characterized by their modest size and leisurely flow. The natural habitat of Jaintia Danios showcases a substrate predominantly composed of gravel and rocks, while the surrounding environment boasts an abundance of marginal and overhanging vegetation. This ecological setup provides the ideal conditions for the thriving existence of these captivating fish.
Breeding
To date, there is a dearth of documented successful breeding reports pertaining to Jaintia Danios. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to infer that their reproductive behaviour aligns with that of other Danio species. Jaintia Danios are known as egg-scattering spawners, displaying a lack of parental care. In favourable conditions, these fish tend to engage in spawning activities. Within a densely-planted and well-established aquarium, the appearance of a small number of fry may occur without human intervention. However, if the goal is to enhance fry production, a more controlled approach is recommended.
While conditioning the adult group together remains a crucial step, the establishment of a dedicated breeding tank is warranted. This tank should be partially filled with water and subjected to subdued lighting. The tank's bottom should be covered with a mesh of appropriate grade, facilitating the descent of eggs while preventing adult fish from reaching them. Alternatively, the utilization of plastic grass matting or an abundance of fine-leaved plants, including the efficacy of java moss, can yield satisfactory outcomes. Optimal water conditions in the breeding tank entail relative softness and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. Setting the temperature towards the higher end of the suitable range is advisable, and introducing a small air-powered filter initially is beneficial. To ensure a suitable water flow pattern, the filter's positioning should direct the current along the entire tank length or employ a mature sponge-type filter.
Once the adult fish are adequately conditioned, and the females exhibit signs of being laden with eggs, introducing one or two pairs into the separate breeding tank is recommended. Stimulating spawning can be achieved by providing small quantities of live and frozen foods to the pairs, coupled with periodic additions of cold water in measured increments, gradually topping up the tank. Typically, the spawning event occurs the following morning. A reliable indicator that the female has successfully spawned is a noticeable reduction in her body size. Due to the adults' tendency to consume any encountered eggs, removing them from the breeding tank after a couple of days is essential. At this stage, substituting the power filter with a sponge-type unit is advisable to prevent the inadvertent suction of the fry.
The incubation period of the eggs is influenced by temperature to a certain degree, with an average duration of approximately 36 hours until hatching occurs. Subsequently, after 3 to 4 days, the young become free-swimming. Initially, nourishing the fry with a proprietary dry food of suitable small grade or Paramecium is recommended. As the fry grows in size, the introduction of microworms and baby brine shrimp serves as appropriate food sources.
Diet & feeding
In their natural habitat, Jaintia Danios derive their nourishment primarily from insects and their larvae. However, these Danios display an adaptable feeding behaviour within an aquarium setting and readily accept various food options. While a high-quality dried product can serve as a suitable staple diet, it is highly recommended to supplement this with regular offerings of small live and frozen foods, including daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm. This nutritional approach enhances the fish's vibrant colouration and contributes to their overall well-being and conditioning.
