Pathiranai Danio

Danio pathiranai is a rarely seen danio species endemic to Sri Lanka, where it inhabits the clear, flowing streams of the island's wet zone. It is a slender, graceful fish with a pale blue-silver body and a delicate, almost translucent lateral stripe that catches light beautifully in a well-lit aquarium.

As a Sri Lankan endemic, it is adapted to the warmer temperatures of the island's lowland streams, preferring conditions slightly warmer than those favoured by the Himalayan and Myanmar danios. In the aquarium it is gentle and undemanding, mixing well with other small peaceful species including rasboras, small tetras, and dwarf gouramis.

Due to its relative rarity in the trade, Danio pathiranai is most often encountered as captive-bred stock. Keeping it in a species-focused planted tank allows the fish's subtle colouration and graceful movement to be fully appreciated.

Water: Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; regular water changes maintain health in this somewhat delicate species. Tank: Minimum 60 L; well-planted with subdued lighting to bring out the species' iridescence; gentle to moderate flow. Feeding: Accepts micro-pellets and small flake; live and frozen micro-foods such as cyclops and micro-worm highly recommended. Breeding: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; rarely bred in captivity but follows standard danio protocol; fry very small and require infusoria initially. Compatibility: Peaceful with all small, non-aggressive community fish; ideal with nano rasboras, small pencilfish, and dwarf shrimp.