Rose Danio (Danio roseus)

Rose Danios are a stunning, peaceful, active and hardy species that are

perfect for the nano aquarium or the well-planted community aquarium of temperate species. These Danios have no special requirements when it comes to water conditions and can therefore be combined with the most popular fish in the hobby.

Suitable tankmates for Rose Danios can include other Danios, Barbs, Tetras, Livebearers, Rainbowfish and Gouramis, as well as Loaches and Catfish. However, it would be best to avoid housing these Danios with much larger, more boisterous fish as they may feel nervous or may be seen as a snack.

Rose Danios are a shoaling species in the wild; therefore, it would be better to maintain these Danios in a group of at least eight individuals, preferably more. Keeping these Danios in more significant numbers will result in a much more natural-looking display and allow your males to show off their best colours as they compete with one another for female attention.

It would be better to maintain Rose Danios in a well-planted aquarium with a darker substrate or an aquarium designed to mimic a flowing stream or river. The substrate can be gravel, different sized pebbles or a few large smooth rocks.

You can use additional powerheads or filter outlets to provide flow; however, you should avoid swift currents because Danios usually occupy calmer waters in the wild. It would also be good for your Danios to add some driftwood roots and branches and some hardy aquatic plants such as Anubias, Microsorum or Bolbitis.

Rose Danios naturally appear in pristine habitats; therefore, they are intolerant to the build-up of organic waste and require spotless water to thrive, so weekly water changes are essential. You will also need a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium as Danios are exceptional jumpers and can fit through minor gaps.

Rose Danios have peachy-rose colouration along the lower part of their body and on their anal and pelvic fins. They also display iridescent blueish-purple colouration along their flanks. In addition, depending on the light, these fish can also display red or silver colouring on their bodies.

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Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Rose 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 quite simple to differentiate between the males and female Rose Danios. Females tend to grow slightly larger than males, are generally duller and have wider bodies, especially when they are gravid. In contrast, males are typically smaller and slimmer and are much more vibrantly coloured than females.