All fish / Danionidae

Chain Danio

Danio catenatus

Also known as chain danio, catenatus danio, dangila danio

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This is a fairly large chain danio with a slim silvery body marked by a chain-like network of dark blue rings and bars along the flanks, plus long barbels. It was described in 2015 as one of several species split from the Danio dangila group, and it appeals to keepers who like active, hardy shoaling fish for roomy, well-oxygenated tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and granules, frozen and live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Myanmar (Ayeyarwady and Chindwin drainages)

Breeding

It scatters eggs over plants or gravel and gives no parental care, so the adults will eat eggs if they get the chance. Spawning is not difficult in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base, and the fry need tiny live foods at first.

Good to know

Most chain danios are sold as Danio dangila, so the exact species is hard to confirm without knowing where the fish were collected. It is a fast swimmer and a strong jumper, so it needs a long tank with a tight-fitting lid.