Panther Danio (Brachydanio aesculapii)
The Panther Danio is a very captivating, hardy and peaceful fish that makes an excellent community fish as it gets on with most small species. These fish are suitable for beginner aquarists. However, you should note that it can be a fin-nipper, so be careful if keeping them with species that have significant fins. The Panther Danio is a very captivating little fish.
The Panther Danio is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of 8 or more. Keeping them in adequate numbers will not only make the fish less apprehensive, but it will also achieve a more effective, natural-looking display. The males will also display their best colours as they compete with each other for female attention.
The Panther Danio has a torpedo-shaped body that at first glimpse looks a little dull but then displays a variety of colours when the light illuminates the fish on its side giving it an opalescent look with snakeskin-like markings along its flanks. The fins on this fish are all transparent.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachydanio aesculapii |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | up to 4 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| TDS | 18 - 90 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 72 - 79℉ 22.2 - 26.1℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Panther Danio will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively simple to distinguish male from female Panther Danios. Sexually mature females are usually a little larger and more rounder-bellied than males, and the dark bands in the front portion of the body tend to be noticeably more elongated and thinner in females. Also, the differences are incredibly apparent when the fish are in spawning condition as the males deepen in colour, and the females will fill with eggs.