Panther Danio

Brachydanio aesculapii

Panther Danio is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
pH: 6.9–7.1
GH: 1–5 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 4 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 4 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: pH 6.9–7.1, GH 1–5 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Panther Danio is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Prepared feed with frequent small live/frozen insect larvae and crustaceans.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

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 loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Myanmar.

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 Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Panther Danio get?

Panther Danio reaches ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm).

What aquarium size does Panther Danio need?

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

Is Panther Danio peaceful?

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

Should Panther Danio be kept alone or in a group?

Panther Danio: Keep in a loose group of 8+.