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.
The optimal conditions for this species entail a requirement for cool and unpolluted water characterized by diminished salt and mineral content, thereby emulating the indigenous habitat of the fish. It is imperative that the water within the tank maintains a pH level that is neutral. To ensure the preservation of water quality, the implementation of robust filtration mechanisms, such as canisters or power filters, is highly recommended to mitigate the presence of excessive pollutants.
Adequate illumination, provided by luminous LED lights set to moderately high intensity, is advised. To enhance the environment, a diverse array of aquatic flora should be incorporated, accompanied by the addition of buoyant plants such as water lettuce or frogbit, serving the dual purpose of offering sustenance to the fish while affording a canopy-like cover.
The inclusion of such vegetation not only caters to the dietary preferences of the fish but also furnishes essential concealing spaces if warranted. To further augment the shelter options, the introduction of rocks into the aquarium environment is suggested. 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.
Boasting a streamlined bronzed physique reminiscent of a torpedo, the Orange-Finned Danio stands as a striking aquatic specimen, presenting itself in a dual array of distinctive colour morphologies. Adorning its form are 5 to 7 distinctive dark longitudinal stripes, elegantly embellishing the body's flank; these markings may manifest as continuous bands or fragmented into discrete spots.
Notably, the fish's lateral line exhibits a partial development, coexisting with two pairs of elongated barbels. The central body stripe, in conjunction with the stripe immediately above and occasionally below it, demonstrates a consistent pigmentation pattern that extends seamlessly onto the caudal peduncle, ultimately encompassing the entirety of the caudal-fin rays, thus culminating in a visually pronounced darker hue. The fins of this species exhibit a vibrant orange hue, further contributing to its remarkable visual presence.
1 Orange Finned Danio variant
Below is a list of Variant/Colour Morphs of the Orange Finned Danio
Orange Finned Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sex of Orange-Finned Danios 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 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 18 |
| TDS | 18 - 90 |
| ℉ | 60 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 15 - 26 |
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.
Breeding
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
Videos
