Aesculapii Danio

Danio aesculapii, commonly called the Panther Danio, originates from the Irrawaddy drainage in Myanmar. It displays a bold pattern of dark spots and dashes arranged along a silvery-gold body, giving it a panther-like appearance that stands out in a school. Males are slimmer and more intensely patterned than females. This species inhabits clear, moderate-flow streams over sand and gravel substrates. In the aquarium it thrives in groups of six or more, ideally in a tank with a fine sand substrate, some rounded stones, and gentle to moderate water movement from a spray bar or powerhead. It is unfussy about water chemistry within its preferred range and accepts a wide variety of foods. Compatible with other peaceful small cyprinids, small tetras, and hillstream species.

Water: Temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–12, moderate flow with good oxygenation. Tank: 60 L minimum; sand substrate, smooth pebbles, open midwater swimming space, planted margins. Feeding: Accepts flake, micro-pellet, and small frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; spawns over fine-leaved plants or mops; separate breeding tank with mesh to protect eggs. Compatibility: Peaceful with all similarly sized community fish; keep in groups of 6+ to encourage natural behaviour.