Yoma danio

Danio feegradei

Also known as Burmese danio, Brachydanio feegradei

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Adult size: 2 in (5 cm)
Minimum tank: 20 gal (75 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Top
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Endemic to small forest streams of the Rakhine Yoma range in western Myanmar.
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Keep yoma danios in a group of at least six to eight in a tank of 75 litres or more, since they are fast, active swimmers. Water at 22 to 26 C with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a tight lid suits these jumpers. Feed small flakes, micropellets, and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm. They are peaceful and make an easy, hardy addition to a robust community, though they may nip very slow, long-finned fish.

In the wild

The yoma danio lives in small, clear forest streams of the Rakhine Yoma hills along the west coast of Myanmar. It swims in fast shoals in the upper water and picks insects from the surface and current. A warm coppery sheen and faint spotting mark the flanks. It is an active, hardy danio that suits a lively community tank.

Good to know

Danio feegradei is now sometimes placed in the genus Brachydanio along with several other small danios. It is restricted to a narrow strip of coastal streams in Rakhine state and reaches about 5 cm. Its warm orange-copper body separates it from the more silver zebra and pearl danios.

Did you know

A settled group takes on a warm copper glow that is unusual among danios, and the fish is prized for staying colorful even in a plain community setup.