Bring vibrant, shimmering energy to your aquascape with the Burmese Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae, formerly Celestichthys choprae). One of the most radiant nano schooling fish in the freshwater hobby, this active species displays vivid iridescent turquoise and gold bars along its flanks accented by a glowing neon-orange horizontal stripe.Perfect for planted aquariums and hillstream-style setups, these hardy fish bring constant motion and brilliant color to any peaceful community tank.

Quick Reference Specs

Detailed Care & Husbandry

Natural Origin & Habitat

The Burmese Glowlight Danio is native to northern Myanmar (formerly Burma), primarily inhabiting the fast-flowing mountain streams and small rivers of the Irrawaddy River basin (particularly the Myitkyina district). In nature, these clear waters feature rocky, gravel-strewn substrates, cool temperatures, and high oxygenation.

Environment & Aquascape Design

Because they originate from sub-tropical flowing waters, replicate their riverine conditions by providing:

• Water Movement & Oxygen: Moderate-to-high water flow generated by a powerhead, canister return, or airstone.

• Substrate & Hardscape: Smooth river stones, rounded pebbles, fine gravel, and driftwood branches to mimic a natural hillstream habitat.

• Aquatic Plants: Plant heavily along the sides and background with hardy species like Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne,Java Fern, and Anubias, while preserving wide-open central swimming lanes.

• Tight-Fitting Lid: Like most danios, they are exceptional jumpers when startled or spawning; an enclosed canopy or tight mesh lid is essential.

Tank Size & Schooling Needs

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (standard or long) is recommended. While they only reach around 1.25 to 1.5 inches in size, they are energetic, fast-swimming sprinters that require horizontal swim space. Always keep them in a school of at least 8 to 10 fish; keeping them in larger groups reduces skittishness, enhances schooling cohesion, and encourages males to display their most intense coloration.

Diet & Feeding

Burmese Glowlight Danios are micropredators in the wild and eager omnivores in captivity:

• Staple Foods: High-quality micro-pellets, crushed flake food, and slow-sinking granules sized for small mouths.

• Supplemental Treats: Live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and finely chopped bloodworms to boost vitality and intensify orange and blue pigmentation.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small meals daily, feeding only what they can consume within two minutes.

Ideal Tank Mates

Their peaceful yet lively demeanor makes them compatible with a wide range of tank mates that tolerate moderate flow:

• Compatible Fish: Neon tetras, rummynose tetras, celestial pearl danios, zebra danios, rasboras, dwarf corydoras,bristlenose plecos, and hillstream loaches.

• Invertebrates: Adult Amano shrimp, nerite snails, and mystery snails. (Tiny dwarf shrimp fry may be eaten due to the danios' quick predatory reflexes.)

• Fish to Avoid: Slow-moving or long-finned species like long-finned bettas or fancy guppies (which may be stressed by the danio's rapid swimming), as well as large predatory fish that could view them as food.

Breeding & Propagation

Burmese Glowlight Danios are continuous egg scatterers that provide no parental care:

1. Conditioning: Feed the breeding group nutrient-dense live foods (such as live daphnia and blackworms) for 7–10 days. Ripe females will appear noticeably rounded.

2. Setup: Set up a separate shallow breeding tank with a base of marble gravel, spawning mops, or Java moss to allow fertilized eggs to fall through out of reach of the adults.

3. Spawning: Introduce a conditioned pair or small breeding group in the evening. Spawning typically occurs at sunrise following dramatic chasing displays.

4. Egg Care: Remove the adults immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Eggs hatch in approximately 24 to 36 hours at 75°F (24°C).

5. Fry Feeding: Once free-swimming (3–4 days later), feed infusoria, rotifers, or liquid fry food, graduating to freshly hatched baby brine shrimp as they grow.