Terai Danio

Danio strigosus, sometimes called the Terai Danio, is a small danionid from the lowland streams and rice paddies of the Terai zone straddling Nepal and northern India. It is closely related to Danio rerio but is slimmer, with a more streamlined body and more muted but attractively natural silver-gold horizontal striping. Its natural habitat of shallow, moderately flowing Terai streams is characterised by clear water, sandy substrates, and riparian vegetation.

In the aquarium D. strigosus is a robust, active schooling species entirely suited to community setups with other small South Asian fish. Its adaptability to a range of water conditions and its acceptance of most commercial foods make it an excellent choice for hobbyists wanting to expand beyond the common domesticated zebrafish strains. Kept in groups of ten or more, its schooling coherence and natural activity level are particularly impressive.

Breeding is as easy as for zebrafish. Eggs are scattered over gravel or fine-leaved plants and the adults must be removed to prevent egg predation. Fry hatch in 48–60 hours and accept micro-foods immediately.

Water: 18–25 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; seasonal variation beneficial. Tank: 60 L minimum; open swimming space with planted margins; moderate flow. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, flake, Daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Breeding: Very easy scatter-spawner; eggs over gravel or plants; fry straightforward. Compatibility: Excellent community species; fully peaceful with all non-predatory South Asian fish.