Gold Striped Danio - Devario chrysotaeniatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Discover the captivating allure of Gold-striped Danios (Devario chrysotaeniatus), a peaceful and active species that brings a touch of vibrancy to any aquarium. These hardy fish are well-suited for both beginner aquarists and seasoned hobbyists, although they are a rare find in the aquarium trade.
When considering tankmates for Gold-striped Danios, it is important to select similarly-sized robust fish. Excellent companions can include other Danios, medium-sized Cyprinids like Barbs, Tetras, Livebearers, and Rainbowfish, as well as Gouramis, Catfish, and Loaches. However, caution should be exercised to avoid housing them with significantly larger or aggressive fish, as well as slower-moving species that may feel overwhelmed by the Danios' energetic activity and enthusiastic feeding behaviours.
In their natural habitat, Gold-striped Danios are known as shoaling species, thriving when kept in groups of 8 or more individuals. The presence of a larger group not only enhances their sense of security but also allows for engaging in social interactions and playful pursuits. It is crucial to avoid keeping these fish in small groups or as solitary individuals, as this can lead to stress and withdrawn behaviour.
Creating an ideal aquarium environment for Gold-striped Danios involves thoughtful design. A well-planted tank or a setup mimicking a flowing stream or river would be most suitable. Utilize gravel or a combination of different-sized rocks and smooth stones as the substrate. Additional powerheads or filter outlets can provide gentle water flow, but it is advisable to avoid swift currents, as Danios naturally occupy calmer stretches of water. Finally, enhance the aesthetics by adding driftwood and hardy aquatic plants such as Microsorum, Anubias, or Bolbitis.
Gold-striped Danios exhibit distinctive markings that add to their visual appeal. A dark mid-lateral stripe stretches from above the pelvic region to the end of the medium caudal rays. Above this stripe, a faintly pigmented line fades away above the anal base. Their sides feature scattered, short, gold, thin horizontal lines over a slightly darker colouration. A cleithral spot is present just behind the gills, while a dark stripe runs along the dorsal midline, from the back of the neck to the base of the caudal fin. Both the dorsal and anal fins display a pale submarginal dark stripe.
Gold Striped Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Gold-striped Danios is a straightforward task. Mature females exhibit distinct characteristics, including a rounded belly, subdued colouration, and a slightly larger size compared to males. On the other hand, males tend to be smaller and slimmer in appearance. Notably, during spawning conditions, males display an eye-catching transformation. A vibrant orange hue adorns the lower back portion of their bodies and extends to the central caudal-fin rays, further accentuating their striking features.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Devario chrysotaeniatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1981 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Devario |
| Origins | Laos , China , Thailand |
| Max Size | 7.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| TDS | 18 - 143 |
| ℉ | 73 - 78 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Embark on a captivating journey to discover the natural habitats of Gold-striped Danios, where these remarkable fish thrive amidst the enchanting waterways of Southeast Asia. Endemic to the Nam Youan River Basin in Laos and the Upper Mekong River in China, these captivating creatures have also made their presence known in the Ping River, nestled within the scenic Chiang Mai area of Thailand.
In their native environments, Gold-striped Danios inhabit highly-oxygenated waters, where the currents flow with vigour. This fast-flowing, clear waters create an exhilarating backdrop for their aquatic adventures. The fish prefer the shallow stretches of small to medium-sized streams and rivers, where nature's symphony of bubbling rapids and gentle cascades adds to the ambience.
Within these dynamic habitats, gravel, rocks, and boulders form the substrate, providing a natural foundation for the Danios' habitat. Interestingly, these regions tend to possess minimal aquatic vegetation, allowing the swift currents to sweep through unobstructed, lending an unfiltered beauty to the environment.
Breeding
Gold-striped Danios exhibit frequent spawning behaviours when in good health. Therefore, in a mature aquarium with abundant plant life, you may observe the appearance of small numbers of fry without intervention. However, if you desire to enhance the yield of offspring, a more controlled approach is recommended.
To begin, condition your adult group together, ensuring they are in optimal health. Additionally, establish a separate breeding tank, half-filled with mature water. Within the breeding tank, provide ample space filled with suitable spawning mediums, such as spawning mops or java moss. Alternatively, you can place a mesh or marbles on the tank's bottom to create hiding spots for the eggs. The water parameters should be slightly acidic to neutral, and maintaining a temperature towards the higher end of the suitable range is advisable.
To stimulate the spawning process, introduce one or two pairs of conditioned adult fish into the breeding tank. Adding small amounts of cooler water at intervals or performing a significant evening water change can also encourage spawning. Furthermore, providing your Danios with small quantities of live and frozen food can trigger spawning behaviour. It is common for multiple spawning events to occur before a female has depleted her egg supply.
Since adult Danios have a tendency to consume eggs, it is crucial to promptly remove them from the breeding tank once any eggs are noticed. Furthermore, to protect the fry, switching the power filter to a mature sponge filter is advisable to prevent accidental suction of the young fish.
The incubation period for the eggs is somewhat temperature-dependent, typically ranging from 24 to 36 hours. After hatching, the fry will become free-swimming within a few days. Initially, nourish the fry with newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms, providing them with suitable nutrition to support their growth and development.
Diet & Feeding
Gold-striped Danios exhibit a versatile feeding behaviour within the confines of the aquarium and readily accept a wide range of food options. While they are not particularly selective, providing them with a high-quality dried diet consisting of flakes and granules as the primary staple is advisable. In addition, to further enhance their colouration and overall health, complement their diet with regular offerings of small live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
By incorporating this diverse feeding regimen, you ensure that your Gold-striped Danios receive a well-rounded nutritional profile, promoting their vibrant colouration and overall well-being. In addition, their adaptable feeding nature allows for a rewarding and engaging feeding experience while fostering optimal health for these captivating fish.
