Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae)

Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae), also known as the Ruby Danio, is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to the Mogaung Chaung River and nearby streams in northern Myanmar. It’s a favorite among aquarists for its striking coloration and active schooling behavior.

 Appearance

• Size: 2.2–2.5 cm (0.8–1 inch), though some sources report up to 5.5 cm
• Coloration: Bright orange-red horizontal stripe with vertical blue-black bars; translucent fins with yellow or gold edges 
• Body Shape: Slender, torpedo-shaped with short barbels

 Classification

• Scientific Name: Danio choprae (sometimes miswritten as choprai)
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Related To: Zebrafish (Danio rerio), but not to be confused with GloFish 

 Natural Habitat

• Location: Northern Myanmar
• Environment: Clear, shallow hill streams with gravel or rocky substrates and minimal vegetation
• Water Flow: Moderate; avoid strong currents

 Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons (60 liters) for a group of 6–8
• Water Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Hardness: Soft to medium (GH 4–10)
• Behavior: Very active, social, and best kept in groups of 8–10 to reduce stress and aggression 
• Tank Setup: Well-planted with rocks, driftwood, and a tight-fitting lid (they jump!)

 Diet

• Type: Omnivorous
• Foods: High-quality flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods like daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
• Feeding Tip: Feed small portions 2x daily; they prefer food that floats or sinks slowly 

 Breeding

• Type: Egg-scatterers
• Spawning: Often spontaneous in community tanks, but better in a separate breeding setup
• Egg Care: Use moss or marbles to protect eggs; remove adults post-spawning
• Fry Care: Hatch in ~3 days; feed with liquid or powdered fry food