Breeding Blue Danio (Danio Kerri) In The Aquarium

Blue Danio, Kerr's Danio, Perch Danio, Violet Danio, Kerr's Danio Fish

Distribution

A freshwater species, which in natural conditions inhabits mountain streams and brooks on the Malay Peninsula (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore) and the surrounding islands. These waters are located in forest areas, characterized by a moderate flow, very clean water, a rocky-gravelly substrate, and vegetation covering their banks.

External Appearance

Due to a broad range of habitats, individual populations differ in body coloration. Generally, the base color is blue-gray or yellow-olive, with a lighter underside. Along the sides of the body, in the area of the lateral line, there are two pinkish-yellow stripes running from the base of the tail to the gill covers. Females are slightly bigger, more rounded in the belly areas, and less colorful compared to males.

Temperament

Kerr's Danio is a calm, active, and schooling fish, which should be kept in a group of at least six individuals. Then the fish are less stressed, a hierarchy is established in the group, and the males show their best colors by competing with each other for the attention of females. This species can safely be kept in a community tank with similarly sized and tempered fishes, e.g.: with raspboras, tetras, livebearers, labyrinth fishes, rainbowfishes, loaches, etc. It is a hardy species, which can be recommended for beginner aquarists.

Aquarium

The fish feel well in spacious aquariums (longer than higher) with a darker substrate (ideally, gravel of different granulation), a large amount of plants planted in the back part and on the sides, decorative elements in the form of stones, boulders, or roots, free spaces for unrestricted swimming. The water stream should be moderate, the water well oxygenated, the lighting subdued and diffused (floating plants can be used for that purpose), and the aquarium should be tightly covered (danios are excellent jumpers).

Breeding

An oviparous species. Its breeding is best conducted in a separate tank with a low water level, lack of lighting, small sponge filter, clumps of plants with small leaves, a gravel substrate or a spawning grid (to protect eggs from the cannibalistic tendencies of the parents). The water should have a slightly acidic reaction, neutral pH, and a temperature of approximately 26°C. A pair of fish or two (the thickest females and the most colorful males) are moved in the evening to the breeding tank. Spawning is triggered by morning light – for this reason, the breeding tank should be positioned to have direct access to the sunlight. The male and female touch bodies, gently quiver, and at the same time eggs and sperm are released. The eggs gradually settle on the bottom. Parents should absolutely be caught after spawning, as they are capable of eating all the eggs. The hatch occurs 1-2 days later, after another 2-4 days, the fry swim freely in search of food.