Glowlight Danio
Glowlight Danio (Danio choprae) is a spectacularly colored small danio from the cool, clear hill streams of northern Myanmar. The body displays a brilliant orange-red horizontal band that seems almost luminous against the pale silver background — with a series of vivid blue-black vertical bars crossing the flanks. The name choprae honors Dr. B.N. Chopra of the Indian Museum, though the Latin rules on name endings mean it is sometimes written choprai in older sources.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets crushed or soaked briefly and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples for this nano species. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen Daphnia — small particle size matters. Feed small amounts multiple times daily. A tight-fitting lid is essential — nano danios are active jumpers despite their small size.
Native to the Irrawaddy River drainage in Kachin and Sagaing states of northern Myanmar — clear, cool, well-oxygenated hill streams with rocky substrate. The Glowlight Danio shares its Kachin State highland habitat with the Burmese Bumblebee Barb, reflecting the extraordinary biodiversity of this remote region. Slightly cooler water than typical tropical fish is preferred.
Keep in groups of at least eight. The Glowlight Danio is compatible with other small, peaceful cool-water species. It is notably peaceful compared to Zebra Danios and less boisterous — suitable for planted aquariums with shy species like Celestial Pearl Danios and small rasboras.
Danios are prolific and easy egg-scatterers that spawn with little encouragement in a well-maintained aquarium. Males chase females vigorously before spawning among fine-leaved plants or over the substrate. Eggs and fry receive no parental care — adults will eat eggs if given the chance. For intentional breeding, a separate shallow tank with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants, slightly warmer water, and removal of adults after spawning is straightforward and reliable.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 68–77°F (20–25°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Irrawaddy River drainage, Kachin and Sagaing states, northern Myanmar |
| Notes | Brilliant orange-red longitudinal band — highly vivid. Named for Dr. B.N. Chopra (sometimes written choprai). Shares habitat with Burmese Bumblebee Barb. Cool water preferred. Peaceful. |
