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
