Lake Inle Danio - Devario auropurpureus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Lake Inle Danios (Inlecypris auropurpurea) a recently discovered species, is a captivating addition to the freshwater fish community, native to Myanmar's Inle Lake, a unique ecosystem known for its exceptional biodiversity. The Lake Inle Danio is distinguished not only by its aesthetic appeal but also by its resilience and adaptability to various water conditions, making it a valued specimen for aquarists and conservationists alike. These Danios are a fascinating and charismatic addition to any aquarium. These peaceful and active fish possess unique personalities, making them an excellent choice as dither fish. Its discovery highlights the rich, yet vulnerable aquatic life of Southeast Asia, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation efforts in these regions.
Lake Inle Danios thrive best in groups of 8 to 10, significantly reducing their stress and contributing to a visually appealing, natural aquarium display. The sociable nature of these fish means they show signs of discomfort when alone, highlighting their need for companionship. Being in a group also curbs any aggressive tendencies, as they are more focused on their social dynamics. Ideal tank mates for Lake Inle Danios include small Cyprinids, other Danio species, livebearers, Rasboras, Tetras, and bottom-dwellers like Loaches, Catfish, Gobies, and Dwarf shrimp. While they generally coexist peacefully with most Dwarf Cichlids and Gouramis, avoiding very small, slow, or delicately finned species is crucial to prevent undue stress and harm.
Their preference for environments that are well-oxygenated with moderate flow reflects their natural habitat's conditions, emphasizing the need for excellent water quality and a stable aquarium ecosystem. A lushly planted aquarium, with plants along the edges and a spacious central swimming area, is ideal, perfectly aligning with their habitat needs and making them a great choice for detailed aquascapes. The addition of floating plants to adjust light penetration is also appreciated. Given their quick movements, securing the aquarium with a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escapes.
Lake Inle Danios exhibit a streamlined, torpedo-shaped form, with a silvery-opaque base complemented by 20 to 30 distinct black vertical stripes adorning a golden-yellow lateral band. The pattern of stripes varies slightly among individuals, contributing to the unique visual identity of each fish. Their fins are predominantly transparent, except for the caudal fin, which is distinguished by its striking yellow coloration. Unlike many of their Danio counterparts, Lake Inle Danios are notable for their absence of barbels, further distinguishing their distinctive aesthetic.
Lake Inle Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Lake Inle Danios can be challenging, as they exhibit few noticeable differences. However, adult females typically display a more substantial and duller appearance than their male counterparts, as well as a slightly larger size.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Devario auropurpureus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1918 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Devario |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 8 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| TDS | 54 - 268 |
| ℉ | 68 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
Lake Inle Danios are a unique species that are only found in the beautiful Lake Inle and its surrounding waters in the Shan State of Myanmar, which is a fascinating place to explore for any aquarium enthusiast. This lake is famous for its stunning floating islands, which are crafted by the local inhabitants by tying plants together. These islands offer the perfect hiding place for many fish species to evade predators and forage for food. The water in this region is generally clear and shallow and boasts a fertile sandy substrate, although it can appear murky and muddy around the edges.
Breeding
Lake Inle Danios are an egg-scattering species, meaning they do not exhibit any parental care. However, under favourable conditions, they will breed readily. If you wish to increase the chances of breeding, a more controlled approach is necessary. First, you should condition the adult group together and then set up a separate breeding tank that can be used as a rearing tank once breeding is successful. The breeding tank should be filled with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and the water should have slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. An air-powered sponge filter or air stone should also be included to provide water movement and oxygenation.
Once the females appear gravid, introduce one or two pairs to the breeding tank, and spawning should occur within 24 hours. However, the fish should not be left in the tank for more than 48 hours. After the eggs have been laid, remove the parents from the breeding tank to avoid them consuming the eggs. The incubation period is temperature-dependent and typically lasts 50 to 60 hours, after which the fry becomes free-swimming. To feed the fry, start with Paramecium or infusoria-type foods and then introduce artemia nauplii, microworms, and powdered dry foods once they are large enough to accept them.
Diet & Feeding
In their natural habitat, Lake Inle Danios primarily feed on a diet consisting of aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and worms found in the substrate during the day. At night, they shift their diet to include caddisflies and mayflies found on the surface. In the home aquarium, these Danios are not picky eaters and will readily accept various types of food. It is recommended to provide them with high-quality dried food as their main diet and supplement it with frequent servings of small live and frozen foods such as Bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia. A well-balanced diet will help ensure the optimal health of your fish.
