Spotted Danio (Danio nigrofasciatus)

The Spotted Danio is a small, active and peaceful freshwater shoaling fish, known for its slim body, subtle golden-brown tones and attractive dark spotting along the flanks. Also known as the Dwarf Spotted Danio or Dwarf Danio, this species is a close relative of the Zebra Danio but stays smaller and is less commonly seen in the trade. It is best kept in a mature aquarium with clean, well-oxygenated water, open swimming space and a proper group of its own kind.

Common Name:
Spotted Danio. Also commonly referred to as the Dwarf Spotted Danio, Dwarf Danio, Spotted Brown Danio or Cheetah Danio.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Danio nigrofasciatus

Maximum Size:
Around 3.5–4 cm in captivity, with FishBase listing up to 3.7 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to northern Myanmar, formerly Burma. In the wild, it is associated with freshwater rivers, streams and smaller waterways, with aquarium references also noting minor rivers, ponds, ditches and rice paddy habitats. These environments are often seasonal, so clean, oxygen-rich water and stable aquarium conditions are important.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, around 5–12 dH preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and social. It is best kept with other small, calm community fish and should not be housed with large, aggressive or very boisterous species that may intimidate it.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. It should be offered a varied diet including quality fine flake, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and occasional small live foods. Small foods are best due to its size.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 60 litres for a proper group, with a longer aquarium preferred to provide open swimming space and good water movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-to-upper level shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 8, ideally 10 or more. In good numbers it becomes more confident, colourful and natural in behaviour. It appreciates planted edges, open swimming space, gentle to moderate current and high oxygenation. A secure lid is recommended, as active danios can jump when startled.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and suitable for a calm community aquarium with other small fish that enjoy similar conditions. Good tank mates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small Corydoras, Otocinclus, peaceful hillstream species in suitable setups and other small danios. Avoid large predators, aggressive fish, persistent fin nippers and very boisterous species that may outcompete it.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, well-filtered aquarium with clean, oxygen-rich water and regular maintenance. Although hardy once settled, it is smaller and more delicate than the common Zebra Danio, so it should not be treated as a rough-and-ready starter fish for unstable tanks. Plant cover, subdued areas and a proper shoal will help reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.

Spotted Danio - Danio nigrofasciatus