All fish / Danionidae

Spotted Danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

Also known as dwarf danio, spotted zebra danio, nigrofasciatus danio, brachydanio nigrofasciatus, spotted danio, スポッテッドダニオ, 黑线斑马鱼, 斑点斑马鱼

A small, slim danio with dark blue and gold horizontal stripes along the body and a row of dark spots on the lower flanks. It is lively, hardy and peaceful, making it a good choice for planted community tanks with other small fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

20 to 26 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

45 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flake and granules, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Myanmar (Irrawaddy and Sittang basins)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that gives no parental care and will eat its own eggs. Breeding is fairly easy in a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or mesh over the base, removing the adults after spawning; fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Close relative of the zebra danio and sometimes confused with it; it is shyer and smaller, so avoid boisterous tankmates and keep a tight lid as it can jump.