All fish / Danionidae

Devario apopyris

Devario apopyris

Also known as danio apopyris

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This is a small, slim devario from hill streams in northern Laos, with a silvery body marked by dark bars and a bluish sheen. It is rarely seen in the hobby, so it mostly appeals to specialist keepers of danios and devarios who want an unusual, active shoaling fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.8 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: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm, plus quality flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Laos (Nam Youan, Mekong basin), possibly Yunnan, China

Breeding

Like its relatives it is probably an egg scatterer that gives no parental care. Breeding in captivity has not been well documented, but a well-fed group in a mature tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh over the substrate offers the best chance.

Good to know

The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable and it is known from only a small area, so wild-caught fish are very rare in the trade. It needs clean, well-oxygenated water with some current, and the tank should have a tight lid because devarios can jump.