Product Details

Spotted Danio – Danio nigrofasciatus

The Spotted Danio is a small, lively danio with delicate dark spotting, subtle striping and active shoaling behaviour. Also known as the Dwarf Spotted Danio, Danio nigrofasciatus is a peaceful species for mature planted aquariums with clean, well-oxygenated water and enough open swimming space. It is smaller and more refined than many common danios, but it is still an energetic group fish rather than a slow nano species.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Spotted Danio
Other Names: Dwarf Spotted Danio, Dwarf Danio, Spotted Dwarf Danio, Burmese Spotted Danio, Cheetah Danio
Scientific Name: Danio nigrofasciatus
Older / Trade Name: Brachydanio nigrofasciatus
Fish Type: Danio / Cyprinid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Danio nigrofasciatus is native to northern Myanmar, where it is associated with freshwater river habitats. It naturally favours clean, oxygen-rich water and active swimming areas, while still using plants, roots, stones and marginal cover for security.

In the aquarium, Spotted Danios do best in a mature planted setup with open swimming space, good filtration, moderate water movement and high oxygenation. Smooth stones, wood, plants and shaded areas can all be used, but the tank should still have clear open areas for the group to move.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Spotted Danios have a slim, streamlined body with a pale gold, olive or silvery base colour. Dark spots, broken markings and fine striping give the fish a more intricate pattern than many standard danios. The fins are usually clear to lightly yellowish, and mature females are often fuller-bodied than males.

Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm, making this a small danio, but not one that should be kept in cramped conditions. Their active movement and group behaviour mean they need more swimming room than their body size alone suggests.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a peaceful, active shoaling fish for planted community aquariums, small-fish displays and cooler tropical setups. Spotted Danios work well with calm but not overly timid tank mates and are especially suited to aquariums with clean, well-maintained water and gentle to moderate flow.

They are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, very warm low-oxygen setups, tiny unfiltered tanks or communities with large fish that may swallow them.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums of 75–90 litres or more are better for a larger shoal and mixed community setup.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. Larger groups are more confident, more natural and create a much better display.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Keep water clean, stable and well oxygenated. FishBase lists D. nigrofasciatus at 24–28°C, pH 6.5–7.0 and hardness 5–12 dH, but a slightly cooler, stable tropical range is sensible for long-term community care. Avoid high nitrate, poor filtration and sudden changes in water chemistry.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Spotted Danios are peaceful shoaling fish. Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows in compatible temperatures, small barbs, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small loaches, hillstream species in suitable setups and other calm community fish of similar size.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, severe fin-nippers, very slow long-finned fish and highly competitive feeders that may prevent them feeding properly. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as group life is important for confidence and natural behaviour.

Feeding:

Spotted Danios are easy-feeding omnivores with a preference for small foods. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm.

A varied diet supports colour, condition and natural activity. Feed small portions that are eaten quickly, as danios are active midwater and upper-water feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims in the middle and upper levels, moving actively in a loose shoal. It is quick at feeding time but generally not aggressive. In a planted aquarium, the group will move between open water and plant cover, becoming more confident when kept in good numbers.

Spotted Danios are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. Spawning may occur among plants and roots, but eggs and fry are usually eaten in a community aquarium unless protected.

Care Notes:

Add Spotted Danios only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Keep them in a proper group, maintain clean oxygen-rich water and provide open swimming room. Avoid overheated, stagnant or poorly maintained tanks. Fine-leaved plants, mosses and shaded areas help the fish feel secure, while open water allows natural shoaling.

A secure lid is recommended, as small active danios can jump if startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Usually captive-bred or specialist import

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, spotting, stripe intensity, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.