TankBud

Sittaung danio

Danio sysphigmatus

Also known as Chain danio, Purple danio

FreshwaterFish

Sittaung danio (Danio sysphigmatus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
3.3 in
8.5 cm
Minimum tank
29 gal
110 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Egg scatterer
Rarity
Rare
Family
Danionidae
Origin
Sittaung drainage and coastal rivers, Myanmar

Overview

The Sittaung danio is one of the larger chain danios, an active, peaceful schooling fish for the middle of a roomy tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

The Sittaung danio is one of the chain danios, which were long treated as one wide-ranging fish. Several of them, this one included, were formally separated only in 2015. The bar pattern on the flank was a key clue to telling them apart.

Caring for the Sittaung danio

Keep Sittaung danios in a group of at least six, since they want space and numbers. A planted tank of 29 gal (110 L) or more suits them, with some current and open swimming lanes. Fit a secure lid, because danios can jump.

They take a broad temperature range, from 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C). Keep the pH at 6.5 to 7.5, with soft to neutral hardness. They are easy, unfussy eaters and take flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods without complaint.

Sittaung danios are peaceful and do well with other lively community fish of similar size that can keep up with their pace. Like their relatives, they scatter their eggs, though home breeding is not documented.

Good to know

The Sittaung danio, Danio sysphigmatus, belongs to the family Danionidae and to the Danio dangila species group. The species name refers to its chain-like pattern of linked bars along a brassy body. That pattern is where the common name chain danio comes from.

In the wild

The Sittaung danio comes from streams of the Sittaung drainage and nearby coastal rivers in Myanmar. These are flowing waters that run a little cooler than full tropical.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Sittaung danio is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Sittaung danio need?

A Sittaung danio needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Sittaung danio need?

A Sittaung danio is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a Sittaung danio eat?

A Sittaung danio is an easy, unfussy eater. It takes flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods without complaint.

How big does a Sittaung danio get?

An adult Sittaung danio reaches about 3.3 in (8.5 cm).

Does a Sittaung danio need a group?

Yes. A Sittaung danio is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does a Sittaung danio breed?

A Sittaung danio scatters its eggs, as its relatives do. Breeding it at home is not documented.

Related species