All fish / Danionidae

Panther danio

Danio aesculapii

Also known as panther danio, leopard panther danio, danio aesculapii, aesculapii danio, ダニオ・アエスクラピイ, 豹纹斑马鱼

A small, slim danio with a golden brown body marked by rows of dark spots and blotches that merge into broken bars, giving a leopard-like look. It is the closest known relative of the zebrafish and suits planted community tanks with gentle current, where a shoal stays active and shows off its subtle patterning.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

20 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and micro pellets with live or frozen daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Myanmar (western coastal Rakhine Yoma streams)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns readily over fine-leaved plants or a mesh in a separate tank, usually at dawn. Adults will eat the eggs, so remove them after spawning; fry are tiny and need infusoria before moving on to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Described only in 2009 and still uncommon, so it is sometimes confused with Danio sp. 'hikari' or other spotted danios. Keep a tight lid as it can jump.