Gold Ring Danio

Gold Ring Danio (Danio tinwini) is a tiny and exquisitely patterned nano danio from Myanmar, only formally described in 2012. The pale body is decorated with a series of dark vertical bars each bearing a small golden-orange to yellow ring or spot — a precise, jewel-like pattern that is quite unlike most other danio markings. At under an inch it is one of the smallest danio species available.

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 small forest streams in the Myitkyina area of Kachin State, northern Myanmar — an extremely limited natural range. The species was described from the same biodiverse Kachin State region that produces the Glowlight Danio and several other remarkable fish. It inhabits clear, cool, slow-moving water with vegetation and leaf litter.

Keep in groups of at least eight — the tiny scale of this species means numbers are important for both security and visual impact. Keep only with other nano species; any active or larger fish will outcompete it for food and cause stress. An ideal companion for Celestial Pearl Danios, small rasboras, and similar nano fish.

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