Danio kyathit
Orange Finned Danio
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Actinopterygii
Family:Danionidae
Genus:Danio
Species:kyathit
IUCN Status:Vulnerable
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Easy
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
20°C - 26°C
pH Level
6 - 7.5
Water Hardness
36 - 215 ppm
Lifespan
5 years
Origin
Asia
Adult Size
3 - 4 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
150 ppm
Water Flow
Medium Flow
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
40L
Swimming Zone
top, middle
Minimum School Size
6+
Oxygen Consumption
Low
Waste Production
Low
Metabolism Rate
Medium
Activity Level
Active
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Food Types
Flakes
Pellets
Frozen Food
Live Food
Freeze Dried
About This Species
Basic Description
The Orange Finned Danio, also known as the Kyathit Danio, is a vibrant and energetic little fish that makes a fantastic addition to many community aquariums. Its peaceful nature and straightforward care requirements make it an excellent choice for those new to the hobby. These fish are constantly on the move, primarily exploring the upper and middle levels of the tank with impressive speed. Because they are social creatures, they feel most secure and display their best colors when kept in a group; a small school is essential for their well-being. A key thing to remember is their tendency to jump, so a snug-fitting lid on the aquarium is a must. They are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of common fish foods. Their small size and low waste output mean they don't place a heavy burden on the filtration system, making them suitable for well-maintained smaller tanks. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of common water conditions, which adds to their appeal for beginners. Their active swimming adds a wonderful dynamic energy to any aquarium setup, making them a joy to watch.
Detailed Description
The Orange Finned Danio, Danio kyathit, is a captivating cyprinid originating from the stream habitats of Asia. Its popularity in the aquarium hobby is well-deserved, stemming from its combination of hardiness, activity, and striking appearance. As a shoaling species, its behavior is fundamentally linked to being in a group. A proper school disperses aggression among the group, reduces stress, and encourages more natural, confident swimming throughout the top and middle water columns. In smaller numbers, they can become shy or skittish. Their native environment consists of flowing streams, which should be replicated in the aquarium with moderate water circulation. This not only benefits the fish's health by simulating natural conditions but also helps maintain high oxygen levels, even though their direct consumption is low. For aquascaping, a longer tank is preferable to a taller one to provide ample horizontal swimming space. A layout with open areas for swimming combined with planted sections offers security and enrichment. Fine-leaved plants like Cabomba or floating plants with trailing roots are excellent choices. As omnivores, their diet should be varied to ensure optimal health and coloration. While a high-quality flake or micro-pellet can serve as a staple, it should be supplemented regularly with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, artemia, and bloodworms. This varied diet is also a key factor in conditioning them for spawning. Breeding is achievable for the dedicated hobbyist. D. kyathit are egg-scatterers, meaning they do not practice parental care. To attempt breeding, a separate tank with a substrate of marbles or a spawning mop is recommended to protect the eggs from being eaten. Triggering a spawning event often involves performing a large, slightly cooler water change and providing a diet rich in live and frozen foods. Given their IUCN 'Vulnerable' status, successful captive breeding is not just a rewarding project for a hobbyist but also contributes to the sustainability of the species within the aquarium trade, reducing pressure on wild populations.
Scientific Description
Danio kyathit is a small cyprinid belonging to the family Danionidae. This taxonomic placement situates it among other popular aquarium genera such as Devario and Rasbora. Its origin in Asian freshwater streams dictates specific husbandry considerations. The species exhibits a preference for rheophilic conditions, hence the need for medium water flow to mimic the lotic environments it inhabits. This constant flow ensures high levels of dissolved oxygen and prevents the accumulation of organic waste. Physiologically, D. kyathit is notably adaptable, tolerating a broad spectrum of water chemistry, as evidenced by its wide pH and hardness ranges. This suggests a robust osmoregulatory capacity. Its metabolic rate is moderate, and coupled with its low bioload factor and low oxygen consumption, the species exerts a relatively minimal impact on its closed aquatic ecosystem compared to other, larger, or more sedentary fish. Behaviorally, it is an obligate shoaler. The requirement for a group is not merely social but a biological necessity for reducing cortisol levels and allowing for the expression of natural behaviors. Its classification as a 'tank escape artist' is an adaptation for evading predators in shallow stream environments by leaping from the water. In terms of reproduction, D. kyathit is a fractional spawner and egg-scatterer, typical of the genus. Spawning is likely triggered by environmental cues that simulate the onset of a rainy season, such as changes in temperature, water chemistry from influxes of fresh water, and increased food availability. From a conservation standpoint, its 'Vulnerable' (VU) status on the IUCN Red List is significant. This classification indicates a high risk of endangerment in the wild, likely due to habitat degradation or loss. Therefore, aquarium populations, when sourced responsibly and bred in captivity, play a vital role in ex-situ conservation, serving as a genetic reservoir and reducing collection pressure on threatened wild stocks.
