Dwarf Spotted Danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

Dwarf Spotted Danio is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Dwarf Spotted Danio?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 64–79°F (18–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Dwarf Spotted Danio is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Dwarf Spotted Danio should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Supply small prepared food and live/frozen insects and crustaceans for an active small-mouthed danio.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Myanmar.

Important notes

A tight cover is essential; easily intimidated by larger boisterous fish despite activity, and needs a meaningful social school.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Danio Danio kerri Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Dwarf Spotted Danio get?

Dwarf Spotted Danio reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Dwarf Spotted Danio need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Dwarf Spotted Danio peaceful?

Yes. Dwarf Spotted Danio is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Dwarf Spotted Danio?

Keep it between 18 to 26 °C.

Should Dwarf Spotted Danio be kept alone or in a group?

Dwarf Spotted Danio: Keep in a school of at least 8.