Burma Danio Care Guide - Tank Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Burma Danio is a tiny, lively cyprinid recognised by its bright golden-yellow body markings and dark blue to black vertical bars. Its compact shape and sparkling colour pattern make it an especially attractive alternative to larger danio species, while its translucent fins add to its delicate appearance.

These active fish spend much of their time in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium, darting between plants and open swimming spaces. They are peaceful but energetic, and their constant movement is most natural and reassuring when they are kept in a properly sized group.

In the wild, Danio tinwini is associated with clear, well-oxygenated streams and smaller tributaries in Myanmar. The species is adapted to flowing water and to habitats containing a mixture of stones, gravel, submerged plants and patches of cover.

Burma Danios are generally hardy once settled and are an excellent choice for a peaceful community aquarium. Their small adult size should not be mistaken for fragility, although they can be outcompeted by much larger or especially boisterous fish.

Burma Danios come from northern Myanmar in Southeast Asia, particularly clear, shallow streams and small waterways associated with the Salween River basin. They inhabit freshwater environments with rocky or gravelly bottoms, aquatic vegetation and good water movement.

A group of Burma Danios should have at least a 60-litre aquarium, with a footprint of roughly 60 cm long by 30 cm wide or larger to provide useful horizontal swimming space. Use a secure cover because these active fish can jump, and provide good filtration and oxygenation with a gentle-to-moderate current. A dark fine-gravel or sand substrate, dense planting around the edges, some floating vegetation, smooth stones and open water in the centre create a natural and comfortable layout. Stable, mature water quality is important, particularly because the species comes from clean, flowing habitats.

Up to approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) in total length. Females are usually a little deeper-bodied and may reach slightly more overall bulk than males.

Burma Danios are omnivores and should receive a varied diet of small, high-quality flakes, micro pellets and granules. Regular servings of baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and other suitably sized frozen or live foods bring out their best colour and support good condition. Feed small portions that they can finish quickly, as their tiny mouths and active lifestyle are better suited to frequent modest meals than large feedings.

Burma Danios suit peaceful community aquariums and can be kept with small rasboras, ember tetras, small peaceful tetras, celestial pearl danios, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus and other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Avoid large, predatory or fin-nipping species, including aggressive barbs and many cichlids, which may harass or eat them. Their active nature can also unsettle very timid, slow-moving tankmates.

Burma Danios are egg-scattering fish that can spawn readily in a mature, well-conditioned aquarium. Offer live or frozen foods for several days, then place a breeding group in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants, spawning mops or a mesh-covered base. Eggs are scattered among the vegetation and the adults should be removed afterward, as they may eat them. The eggs usually hatch in around two days, with the tiny fry becoming free-swimming soon afterwards and accepting infusoria or commercially prepared fry food before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females are generally fuller through the abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, and often have a slightly paler or less slender appearance. Males tend to be slimmer and more intensely coloured, with a narrower body profile, although the differences can be subtle in young fish.