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Maximum size : 5 cm
Orange Finned Danio - Danio kyathit : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Orange Finned Danio (Danio kyathit) is a charming, peaceful species and a great addition to a well-stocked community tank. Due to its adaptability, it can coexist with many of the most popular fish in the hobby, making it an excellent choice for any aquarist. These danios are schooling fish and thrive best in groups of 8 to 10 individuals. Maintaining them in decent numbers will result in a more natural-looking display, and males will exhibit their most vibrant colours as they compete for female attention. With its torpedo-shaped body, the Orange-Finned Danio is an impressive fish that comes in two distinct colour morphs. The Ocelot Danio features moderate-sized dark spots all over its body. At the same time, the Orange-Finned Danio has spots that merge into a more-or-less continuous line along its sides, giving it a darker overall appearance. Having a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium is important since these fish are known to be expert jumpers and can squeeze through small gaps.Orange Finned Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sex of Orange-Finned Danio is a relatively uncomplicated task. Females typically have larger and more rounded bellies and deeper bodies than males, exhibiting less orange in their fins. Conversely, males tend to be slimmer and smaller in size and have more vivid orange in their fins, giving them a richer overall colouration than females. These disparities become more noticeable during spawning when the fish are in their optimal reproductive condition.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio kyathit |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1998 |
| Other Names | Ocelot Danio, Orange-finned Zebra Danio |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | up to 3 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 18 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 18 - 90 |
| ℉ | 60 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 15.6 - 26.1 |
Natural habitat
The Orange-Finned Danio is a stunning and unique species that hails from the picturesque waterways of northern Myanmar in Southeast Asia. This fish is endemic to the upper Irrawaddy River, as well as the Hpa-Lap Chaung, Mogaung, and Chindwin Rivers. These waterways are characterized by fast-flowing, tannin-stained, and clear water, which creates the perfect environment for this species to thrive. In their natural habitat, the Orange-Finned Danio can be found in small streams and rivers with dense marginal vegetation and bamboo growth, providing them with ample shade. The substrate typically consists of a mix of mud and stones, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
Irrawaddy River - Myanmar
How to breed the Orange Finned Danio
A more controlled approach is recommended when attempting to enhance the yield of Orange-Finned Danio fry. First, the adult group should be conditioned in a well-planted, mature aquarium. However, to increase the number of fry, a separate breeding tank should be set up and half-filled with water. It is best to fill the available space with spawning mediums, such as wool mops, java moss, or a spawning mesh. The water in the breeding tank should be slightly acidic to neutral with a temperature towards the upper end of the scale. An internal power filter can be added to provide water flow directed down the entire length of the tank. Once the adult fish have been conditioned and the females appear to be full of eggs, one or two pairs should be introduced into the breeding tank. Cool water should be added in small amounts every couple of hours to initiate the spawning process. Additionally, providing the fish with small amounts of live and frozen food can trigger spawning. It is likely that several spawning events will occur before a female is spent of eggs. The adult fish will consume any eggs they come across, so they should be removed once spawning is complete. At this point, switching the power filter to a mature sponge-type unit is recommended to prevent the fry from being sucked into it. The incubation period takes between 24 to 36 hours and is temperature-dependent. The fry will become free-swimming a few days later. Initially, feeding the fry with artemia nauplii or similar is recommended.Diet & feeding
In an aquarium, Orange-Finned Danios are generally undemanding when it comes to feeding and will consume most types of food. While high-quality dried products can serve as their primary diet, it is recommended to supplement their meals with small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, bloodworm, and Artemia to promote optimal colouring and conditioning. This well-rounded feeding approach will keep your fish healthy and vibrant.Frequently asked questions
Orange Finned Danios Look especially effective in a heavily planted aquarium with a dark substrate and may appear paler in a sparsely decorated set-up. Orange Finned Danios will appreciate an aquarium that resembles a flowing stream or river, with a substrate of rocks, boulders or gravel and some driftwood. The aquarium needs to have a tight-fitting lid as these fish are accomplished jumpers and can fit through very small gaps.
Orange Finned Danios have no unique demands when it comes to water chemistry; therefore, you can combine them with several popular fish in the hobby, including Tetras, Livebearers, small Cyprinids as well as anabantoids, rainbowfish, Loaches and Catfish.
The Orange Finned Danio is a shoaling fish that you should keep in groups of at least six individuals, although more is highly recommended as they always fare better in more extensive shoals.
It is relatively easy to differentiate female from male Orange Finned Danio. Sexually mature females usually are wider and deeper-bodied as well as being slightly duller and a little larger than males. In contrast, males are slimmer and much more vibrantly coloured than females. This difference is apparent when the fish are in spawning condition.
You should use good quality dried products as the staple diet. Still, it would be better if you supplemented this with regular meals of small live and frozen fares such as daphnia, artemia, bloodworm and suchlike so that your fish develop optimum conditioning and colouration.
The Orange Finned Danio is an impressive little fish that grows up to 5 cm in length and has a torpedo-shaped body. There are two distinct colour morphs of the Orange Finned Danio; for example, the Ocelot Danio has moderate-sized dark spots covering the entire body, whereas the Orange Finned Danio displays those spots merging into a continuous line along its sides, giving it an entirely darker appearance.
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