Glowlight Danio - Celestichthys choprae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Glowlight Danios(Celestichthys choprae) is a captivating freshwater species belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Native to the lush, forested streams of Northern Myanmar, this diminutive fish is celebrated for its vibrant coloration and dynamic energy. The Glowlight Danio's resilience and peaceful demeanor make it a favored choice among aquarists, particularly those inclined toward creating biotope aquariums that replicate natural habitats.
Glowlight Danios thrive in the company of similarly sized, peaceful fish, while more vigorous companions may lead to their withdrawal. Consistent with the behavior of other Danio species, it is advisable to avoid pairing them with long-finned species due to potential nipping issues. Optimal companions for Glowlight Danios include other diminutive Cyprinids, Tetras, Livebearers, Rainbowfish, Catfish, and gentle Loaches. Being a gregarious species, it is recommended to maintain Glowlight Danios in groups of 8 to 10 to foster a stable social hierarchy and mitigate stress. Larger assemblies also provide sanctuary for subordinate individuals from the assertiveness of dominant males, ensuring a harmonious community aquarium.
To ensure the well-being of your Glowlight Danios, provide a well-planted aquarium or a setup that replicates a flowing river or stream. Incorporate a substrate of various-sized rocks and gravel, along with large, smooth boulders. Additional powerheads or filter outlets can be used to generate moderate water flow, but super fast conditions should be avoided, as these fish naturally inhabit calmer waters and marginal zones. Glowlight Danios appreciate sturdy aquatic plants that can be attached to decor, as well as branches and driftwood roots. A tight-fitting lid for the aquarium is essential, as this species is known for its adept jumping ability and can escape through even the smallest gaps.
The slender, torpedo-shaped bodies of Glowlight Danios boast greenish-golden hues, adorned with blue vertical bars and a blue horizontal stripe running dorsally across the entire body. In contrast, translucent fins accompany a black and gold-tipped caudal fin. A yellow line spans horizontally across the dorsal fin, and a white line graces the anal fin.
Glowlight Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Glowlight Danios is generally a straightforward process. In sexually mature specimens, females tend to exhibit rounder bellies, less vibrant colouration, and slightly larger size compared to males. During spawning conditions, these differences become more pronounced, as males display intensified colouration and females appear visibly engorged with eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Celestichthys choprae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1928 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 5.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| TDS | 20 - 250 |
| ℉ | 64 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 17 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
Glowlight Danios are indigenous to the Mogaung Chaung River and adjacent minor rocky streams within Myanmar, set against the rich tapestry of Southeast Asia. In their natural habitat, they exhibit a preference for diminutive mountainous streams characterized by substrates of gravel and assorted rock sizes, providing an ideal setting for their prosperity. Notably, these aquatic environments appear to be sparse in vegetation, a factor that has significantly influenced the evolution of the distinct traits and behaviors observed in Glowlight Danios.
Breeding
Breeding Glowlight Danios is a relatively simple endeavour, with spontaneous spawning often occurring in community tanks. However, to maximize fry yield, it is advisable to designate a separate breeding tank for these fish. Ensure that delicate plants such as Willow Moss, Java Moss, or Cabomba are present in the aquarium, as females will scatter their eggs among them.
Alternatively, incorporating elements like marbles, small rocks, or coarse substrate can provide additional protection for the eggs by making them less accessible to the parents. Following the completion of the spawning process, promptly remove the adult fish from the tank.
The fry should hatch within approximately three days and subsequently become free-swimming. Upon hatching, the newly born fry can be nourished with a diet consisting of either liquid or powdered fry-specific food formulations.
Diet & Feeding
Glowlight Danios exhibits flexible dietary habits, accommodating an extensive array of nutritional choices. It is advisable to establish their nutritional regimen on a cornerstone of premium dry foods, such as flakes and granules. To augment their vitality and intensify their colouration, incorporating routine supplements of petite live and frozen fare, including Daphnia, bloodworms, and Artemia, into their diet is paramount.
Frequently asked questions
Videos
8 tank mate ideas for the Glowlight Danio
Looking for some awesome tank mate ideas for your Glowlight Danio? Look no further! Here are 8 of the most captivating & fascinating options that will liven up your aquarium!
