Nano Fish - Dwarf Spotted Danio - Brachydanio nigrofasciata 3cm

The Dwarf Spotted Danio (Danio nigrofasciatus)

The Dwarf Spotted Danio (Danio nigrofasciatus), also known as the Spotted Danio, is a hardy and vibrant freshwater fish that makes a great addition to peaceful community aquariums. Here’s a comprehensive care guide:

 

Basic Information

• Scientific Name: Danio nigrofasciatus

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Streams and rivers in Myanmar (Burma)

• Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

 

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group (20 gallons+ recommended for larger groups).

• Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel.

• Plants and Decor:

• Add live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Echinodorus.

• Provide hiding spots with driftwood or rocks.

• Ensure open swimming areas.

• Lighting: Moderate. Mimic natural conditions with soft lighting.

• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain clean water without strong currents.

 

Diet

 

Dwarf Spotted Danios are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet.

• Staple Food: High-quality micro pellets or flakes.

• Live/Frozen Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

• Vegetation: Offer blanched spinach or zucchini occasionally.

 

Feed small amounts twice daily to avoid overfeeding.

 

Behavior and Tankmates

• Temperament: Peaceful and active.

• Schooling Behavior: Best kept in groups of at least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

• Compatible Tankmates: Other small, peaceful species like neon tetras, ember tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive species.

 

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate.

• Spawning Setup:

• Provide a separate breeding tank with a fine mesh or marbles on the bottom to protect eggs.

• Keep the water slightly warmer (24–26°C / 75–79°F).

• Add live plants or spawning mops for egg-laying.

• Behavior: Males display vibrant colors to attract females.

• Eggs and Fry:

• Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.

• Fry hatch in 2–3 days and become free-swimming within 5 days. Feed them infusoria or powdered fry food initially.

 

Maintenance Tips

• Perform weekly water changes (20–30%) to maintain water quality.

• Monitor water parameters regularly.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

 

Health

 

Dwarf Spotted Danios are hardy, but they can be susceptible to common freshwater diseases like ich or fin rot if water quality is poor. Always quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

 

With proper care, these stunning little fish will thrive and bring lively energy to your aquarium! Let me know if you’d like recommendations on suitable tank setups or other fish species to pair with them

 

Dwarf Spotted Danios (Danio nigrofasciatus) are peaceful, active schooling fish that do well with other small, non-aggressive species. Here are some excellent tank mate options:

 

Peaceful Schooling Fish

 

These fish share similar water parameters and behaviors:

1. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)

2. Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

3. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)

4. Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae)

5. Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus)

 

Bottom Dwellers

 

Great for keeping the lower areas of the tank active:

1. Corydoras Catfish (e.g., Pygmy Corydoras)

2. Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii)

3. Dwarf Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp)

4. Otocinclus Catfish

 

Other Suitable Species

 

These species add diversity without disrupting the danios:

1. Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)

2. Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)

3. Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)

4. Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) – for larger tanks.

 

Tank Mate Tips

• Size Compatibility: Avoid fish larger than 2.5–3 inches that may intimidate or eat the danios.

• Aggression Levels: Avoid semi-aggressive or fin-nipping fish like tiger barbs or bettas.

• Group Behavior: Most schooling fish need groups of at least 6 to feel secure.