Rose danio
Introduction
The Rose Danio (Danio roseus), also known as the Purple Passion Danio, is a captivating freshwater fish cherished by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and lively behavior. With a shimmering blend of rosy pink and iridescent blue hues, this species adds a dynamic visual appeal to any aquarium. Renowned for its hardiness and peaceful nature, the Rose Danio is well-suited for both beginner and intermediate fishkeepers seeking an active and engaging addition to their community tanks.
Care and Environment
Providing optimal care for the Rose Danio involves replicating its natural habitat and meeting its specific needs to ensure a healthy and thriving environment.
What is the minimum tank size required for a single Rose Danio?
A minimum tank size of 40 liters is recommended to accommodate the active swimming behavior of a single Rose Danio. However, as they are shoaling fish, it's advisable to keep them in groups, necessitating a larger tank.
What are the ideal water parameters for Rose Danios?
Maintain water temperatures between 22-27°C, with a pH range of 6.2-7, and water hardness of 4-13°N. Consistent water quality is crucial for their well-being.
How should the tank be set up to mimic their natural environment?
Incorporate a mix of open swimming spaces and planted areas using hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias. A sandy or fine gravel substrate works best, and moderate water flow should be ensured to replicate their natural riverine habitats.
Filtration should be efficient to maintain water clarity and quality, but avoid creating strong currents that may stress the fish. Lighting can be moderate; too intense lighting may cause the fish to become shy.
Rose Danios are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods. Provide high-quality flakes or small pellets as their staple diet, supplemented with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex. Feeding them small portions multiple times a day ensures optimal nutrition and supports their active metabolism.
Be aware that Rose Danios are excellent jumpers. Ensure the aquarium is well-covered to prevent them from leaping out.
Origin and Habitat
Rose Danios are native to Southeast Asia, specifically the Mekong River drainage in China, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. They inhabit clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams characterized by cooler water temperatures, moderate flow, and abundant vegetation. These environments provide ample hiding spots and foraging opportunities, contributing to the species' active and social behavior.
Temperament and Compatibility
Rose Danios are peaceful and active shoaling fish, making them ideal candidates for community aquariums.
Do Rose Danios need to be kept in groups?
Yes, they thrive when kept in groups of six or more. In larger groups, they become bolder, and males will display their best colors as they compete with each other.
What tank mates are suitable for Rose Danios?
They are compatible with other peaceful fish of similar size, such as other Danios, Tetras, and Rasboras. Avoid housing them with larger or more aggressive species that may intimidate or prey upon them.
Are there any specific behaviors to watch for?
While generally peaceful, Rose Danios can become nippy if not kept in a large-enough school. Ensuring a sufficiently sized group can mitigate this behavior.
Interesting Facts
Rose Danios exhibit a mesmerizing combination of colors, with a delightful peachy-rose hue along the lower part of their bodies, extending to their anal and pelvic fins. Along the flanks, iridescent shades of blueish-purple shimmer, captivating the eyes of any observer.
They are known to be excellent jumpers, a trait that in the wild helps them escape predators or navigate between water bodies. This behavior underscores the importance of a securely covered aquarium.
Breeding Rose Danios is considered easy. They are oviparous egg-scattering free-spawners, with males displaying brighter colors and rounder bodies than females during spawning. Providing a separate breeding tank with marbles as substrate can protect the eggs from being eaten.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 21.1 Gallon (for groups of 6 or more) |
Minimum Group Size 6 |
Minimum Tank Volume 10.6 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 2.2 inch |
Average Adult Length 1.6 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes |
Preferred Water Type Freshwater, soft to medium hardness, slightly acidic to neutral pH |
Temperature Range (°C) 22-27 |
pH Range 6.2-7 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 4-13 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 3 years |