Glowlight Danio
Also known as: Danio choprai
The Glowlight Danio (Danio choprai) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Myanmar, known for its striking horizontal orange-red stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. The Glowlight Danio originates from Myanmar (Burma), specifically in the Ayeyarwady River basin and tributaries in the Shan State region., reaches Adult size: 3.5 cm in captivity, typically lives 3-5 years, and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Myanmar (Burma), specifically in the Ayeyarwady River basin and tributaries in the Shan State region.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 3.5 cm (1.4 inches)
- Life span
- 3-5 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful, active, and schooling; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Tank size
- Minimum 40 liters (10.5 gallons) for a small group; 60+ liters (16+ gallons) recommended for optimal schooling behavior.
- Water temp
- 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
- Other names
- Danio choprai
About the Glowlight Danio
The Glowlight Danio (Danio choprai) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Myanmar, known for its striking horizontal orange-red stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. It is a peaceful, active schooling fish that thrives in well-planted tanks with moderate water flow. Unlike some danios, it prefers slightly softer, more acidic water and is less tolerant of extreme conditions. Its compact size and hardy nature make it a popular choice for nano and community aquariums.
Lifespan and health
With proper care, Glowlight Danios typically live 3-5 years in captivity, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 6 years under optimal conditions. Lifespan is heavily influenced by water quality, diet consistency, and stress levels; chronic poor water conditions or overcrowding can reduce lifespan to under 2 years. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) if temperatures drop below 22°C or fluctuations occur, and fin rot from poor water quality or aggressive tankmates. They are also susceptible to internal parasites if fed low-quality live foods excessively; quarantine new fish and avoid overfeeding. Regular observation for lethargy, clamped fins, or loss of color is essential—early detection and treatment with appropriate medications (e.g., copper-based for ich, antibacterial for fin rot) significantly improve recovery rates.
Overview
The Glowlight Danio (Danio choprai) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to Myanmar, known for its striking horizontal orange-red stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. It is a peaceful, active schooling fish that thrives in well-planted tanks with moderate water flow. Unlike some danios, it prefers slightly softer, more acidic water and is less tolerant of extreme conditions. Its compact size and hardy nature make it a popular choice for nano and community aquariums.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a sandy or fine gravel substrate, dense planting with species like Java moss, Anubias, or Cryptocoryne, and open swimming areas. Provide gentle filtration (e.g., sponge filter) to avoid strong currents, and include driftwood or rocks for hiding spots. Maintain a group of at least 6 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. Water parameters must be stable: perform 25% weekly water changes, keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm, and nitrate below 20 ppm. Use a heater to maintain 22-26°C (72-79°F) and test pH weekly to ensure it stays within 6.0-7.5. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes; vary diet with frozen foods 2-3 times per week for optimal color and health. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful, small cyprinids like Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, or Pygmy Corydoras; avoid larger, aggressive, or fin-nipping species such as Tiger Barbs or certain cichlids.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Glowlight Danio, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.