Lake Inle Danio - Devario auropurpureus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Lake Inle Danios (Inlecypris auropurpurea) are a fascinating and charismatic addition to any aquarium. These peaceful and active fish possess unique personalities, making them an excellent choice as dither fish. However, it's crucial to note that these Danios are professional jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is a must to keep them safe.
To ensure these Danios thrive, they should be kept in a group of at least 8 to 10 individuals as they are a schooling species. However, it's important to avoid larger or boisterous tankmates that may make them feel uneasy. Adding floating plants or other aquatic species can help minimise their skittish behaviour.
A densely planted aquarium is recommended to create an ideal environment, making them an excellent choice for a carefully aquascaped setup. Adding floating plants to distribute the light entering the aquarium also seems to be appreciated. Lake Inle Danios do not require strong water movement, so a gentle current is sufficient.
These torpedo-shaped, silvery-opaque fish are adorned with 20 to 30 black vertical stripes on a golden-yellow band running across their sides. Each individual fish has a slightly different pattern of stripes. Additionally, all fins are transparent except for the caudal fin, which displays a lovely yellow hue. Notably, Lake Inle Danios lack the typical barbels of many Danio species, adding to their unique appearance.
Lake Inle Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Lake Inle Danios can be challenging, as they exhibit few noticeable differences. However, adult females typically display a more substantial and duller appearance than their male counterparts, as well as a slightly larger size.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Devario auropurpureus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1918 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Devario |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 8 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 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| TDS | 54 - 268 |
| ℉ | 68 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
Lake Inle Danios are a unique species that are only found in the beautiful Lake Inle and its surrounding waters in the Shan State of Myanmar, which is a fascinating place to explore for any aquarium enthusiast. This lake is famous for its stunning floating islands, which are crafted by the local inhabitants by tying plants together. These islands offer the perfect hiding place for many fish species to evade predators and forage for food. The water in this region is generally clear and shallow and boasts a fertile sandy substrate, although it can appear murky and muddy around the edges.
Breeding
Lake Inle Danios are an egg-scattering species, meaning they do not exhibit any parental care. However, under favourable conditions, they will breed readily. If you wish to increase the chances of breeding, a more controlled approach is necessary.
First, you should condition the adult group together and then set up a separate breeding tank that can be used as a rearing tank once breeding is successful. The breeding tank should be filled with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and the water should have slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. An air-powered sponge filter or air stone should also be included to provide water movement and oxygenation.
Once the females appear gravid, introduce one or two pairs to the breeding tank, and spawning should occur within 24 hours. However, the fish should not be left in the tank for more than 48 hours. After the eggs have been laid, remove the parents from the breeding tank to avoid them consuming the eggs.
The incubation period is temperature-dependent and typically lasts 50 to 60 hours, after which the fry becomes free-swimming. To feed the fry, start with Paramecium or infusoria type foods and then introduce artemia nauplii, microworms and powdered dry foods once they are large enough to accept them.
Diet & feeding
In their natural habitat, Lake Inle Danios primarily feed on a diet consisting of aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and worms found in the substrate during the day. At night, they shift their diet to include caddisflies and mayflies found on the surface. In the home aquarium, these Danios are not picky eaters and will readily accept various types of food. It is recommended to provide them with high-quality dried food as their main diet and supplement it with frequent servings of small live and frozen foods such as Bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia. A well-balanced diet will help ensure the optimal health of your fish.
