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Yoma Danio - Danio feegradei : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Yoma Danios (Danio feegradei), known for their peaceful temperament, thrive best in a spacious aquarium that accommodates similarly sized and robust species, owing to their constant activity and lively feeding behaviour. While not inherently aggressive, these dynamic Danios may disrupt exceptionally slow-moving or timid tankmates, making it advisable to avoid housing them alongside such species. Instead, suitable tankmates for Yoma Danios include Loaches, Cichlids, Gouramis, Catfish, larger Tetras, and numerous Cyprinids. However, it is crucial to steer clear of much larger or highly aggressive fish species that may perceive the Danios as prey.
While sociable in nature, Yoma Danios exhibit shoaling behaviour rather than strict schooling, gathering tightly only when they perceive a threat. At other times, rival males may engage in spirited battles. However, maintaining these fish in groups of eight or more individuals provides respite for the subordinate individuals of both sexes, as the dominant individuals can exhibit pronounced aggression. This group dynamic promotes a more harmonious environment. In terms of aesthetics, Yoma Danios present an alluring spectacle within a heavily-planted aquarium adorned with a dark substrate, although they may appear less vibrant in minimalistic setups.
Creating an ideal aquarium setup entails replicating the environment of a flowing stream or river. This can be achieved by incorporating a substrate comprising varying sizes of gravel and rocks, accompanied by smooth stones or boulders. Additional powerheads or filter outlets can be utilized to enhance water flow, although caution should be exercised to avoid excessively swift currents, as these small Danios typically inhabit calmer waters in their natural habitat. Supplementing the decor with driftwood roots, branches, and hardy aquatic plants like Anubias or Microsorum contributes to the overall visual appeal while providing natural elements for the fish to interact with.
It is important to note that Yoma Danios possess distinct features contributing to their striking appearance. They showcase a shimmering blueish-silver colouration along their sides, adorned with two rows of gold spots running parallel to their flanks. The first row of dots, typically around 14 in number, aligns with the lateral line, while the second row, generally comprising around six spots, resides just below the lateral line. Male individuals exhibit an orange border on their anal, pectoral, and ventral fins, while females feature a white border. In addition, both sexes display an orange spot located just behind the gill cover and a prominent dark spot at the base of their caudal fin.
To ensure the well-being of Yoma Danios, it is imperative to maintain an aquarium equipped with a secure and tightly-fitting lid. These agile swimmers possess exceptional jumping abilities and can exploit even the smallest gaps, necessitating diligent precautions to prevent escape.
Yoma Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Yoma Danios is a straightforward task. Males exhibit notable characteristics that differentiate them from females. They display vibrant colouration, possess a smaller and slimmer physique, and feature distinct orange pigmentation along the edges of their ventral and anal fins. In contrast, females exhibit a white colouration. In the presence of multiple males, it is common for one or more individuals to establish an alpha position, which is often accompanied by an intensified and more vivid colouration.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio feegradei |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1937 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 8 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 18 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 64 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 17 - 25 |
Natural habitat
Yoma Danios are native to the captivating Thandwe District of Rahkine in Myanmar, located within the enchanting realm of Southeast Asia. They have also been documented in the Sandoway region of southern Myanmar. In their natural habitat, these remarkable Danios can be found in various aquatic environments, ranging from tranquil pools to gently flowing streams and ditches. The waters they inhabit are characterized by their clarity, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the aquatic world. The substrate within their natural domain comprises gravel, stones, and rocks, lending a sense of natural ruggedness to their surroundings.
While the aquatic plant life in their habitat is relatively sparse, the vicinity boasts an abundance of lush bushes and trees, creating a harmonious blend of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This unique combination contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region, providing an array of ecological niches for various flora and fauna to thrive.
It is within these still to slow-flowing waters, punctuated by pockets of serene clarity, that Yoma Danios gracefully navigate, showcasing their inherent beauty and adaptation to their captivating surroundings.
How to breed the Yoma Danio
Yoma Danios follow an egg-scattering spawning strategy, displaying no parental care towards their offspring. When these Danios are in optimal condition, spawning occurrences are common. In a densely-planted and well-established aquarium, it is not uncommon for small numbers of fry to emerge without any intervention. However, if the objective is to augment the quantity of fry, a more controlled approach is warranted.
Conditioning the adult group together remains a pivotal step, but the establishment of a separate breeding tank becomes necessary. This breeding tank should be filled to half capacity with water and maintained with dim lighting. To facilitate the unhindered descent of eggs while preventing access by adult fish, covering the tank bottom with a mesh or employing artificial grass proves effective. Alternatively, incorporating a substantial amount of fine-leaved plants, such as java moss, can yield favourable outcomes. Optimal water parameters within 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 recommended, and initially, introducing a small air-powered filter aids in maintaining suitable water quality. Proper positioning of the filter ensures that the current flows along the entire length of the tank, or alternatively, the utilization of a mature sponge-type filter can serve this purpose.
Once the adult fish are suitably conditioned, and the females exhibit signs of being laden with eggs, introducing one or two pairs into the separate breeding tank is advised. Inducing spawning can be achieved by providing small quantities of live and frozen foods to the pairs, coupled with intermittent additions of cold water at measured intervals to gradually increase the water level in the tank. Typically, spawning occurs the following morning. A straightforward indication that the female has successfully spawned is a noticeable reduction in her body size. Since the adults tend to consume any encountered eggs, removing them from the breeding tank after a couple of days is crucial. At this stage, substituting the power filter with a sponge-type unit is essential to prevent the accidental intake of fry.
The incubation period of the eggs is partially influenced by temperature, 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 to meet their dietary requirements.
Diet & feeding
In their natural habitat, Yoma Danios predominantly feed on insect larvae. However, these Danios exhibit a versatile feeding behaviour within an aquarium setting and readily accept various food options. While high-quality dried food can serve as a suitable staple diet, it is advisable to supplement this with regular offerings of small live and frozen foods, such as daphnia, bloodworm, and artemia. These supplementary nourishments contribute to the optimal display of vibrant colours in the fish, thereby enhancing their overall visual appeal.
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