Product Details

Spotted Danio – Danio nigrofasciatus

Overview:

The Spotted Danio is a small, lively danio with a slim body, delicate markings and constant shoaling movement. Less boisterous than the standard Zebra Danio, Danio nigrofasciatus is a good choice for peaceful planted aquariums where a compact, active group fish is wanted. It suits mature community setups with clean water, good oxygenation and tank mates that are small, calm and not easily intimidated.

Key Identification:

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

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Spotted Danio is native to northern Myanmar, where FishBase records it as a freshwater species living in rivers.

In aquarium care, it is best provided with a setup that offers open swimming space, plant cover and clean, well-filtered water. Fine-leaved plants, smooth stones, wood, floating cover and gentle to moderate flow all suit this small danio well.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Spotted Danios have a slim, streamlined body with subtle striping and spotting along the sides. The body is usually pale gold, olive or silvery with darker markings, and the fins may show a light yellow or clear tone. Mature females are usually rounder-bodied, while males tend to be slimmer and may show stronger contrast when displaying.

Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum size of 3.7 cm standard length.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a peaceful, active fish for planted community aquariums, small-fish displays and cooler tropical setups. It is less robust and less pushy than some larger danios, so it should not be mixed with aggressive or very boisterous species. It does best in a mature aquarium with a proper group, good water movement and calm tank mates.

It is not suitable for tiny bowls, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums or communities with large fish that may swallow it.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with 75–90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal and better swimming space. A tank length of at least 60 cm is recommended, as this is an active mid-to-upper-level fish despite its small size.

Water Conditions:

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

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

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

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very slow long-finned fish and highly competitive feeders that may outcompete them. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. Larger groups improve confidence, reduce stress and encourage more natural swimming behaviour.

Feeding:

Spotted Danios are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. Because they are small and active, feed suitably sized foods that remain available in the upper and middle water layers.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends much of its time in the middle and upper levels, moving actively in a loose shoal. It is generally peaceful, but like many danios it is quick at feeding time and appreciates open swimming space. FishBase notes that the species spawns among plants and roots in the early morning, which fits its preference for planted aquariums with fine cover. A secure lid is recommended, as small active danios may jump if startled.

Care Notes:

Add Spotted Danios only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Keep them in a proper group rather than singly or in pairs. Provide clean, well-oxygenated water, some flow and enough open space for swimming. Avoid overly warm, stagnant or poorly maintained aquariums. Fine-leaved plants and mosses provide cover and may encourage spawning behaviour.

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, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.