Emerald dwarf danio
(INTERMEDIATE FISHKEEPERS)
If you’re stuck for space, this is the shoaling go-to you need to try. Fully grown at just 2cm, these feisty little danios (at one point thought to be rasboras) have some of the nicest markings, size for size, of any fish. Plant heavily but avoid using CO2, as they don’t like acidic water, and don’t saturate the tank with light if you want to see them at their best.
●Scientific name: Danio erythromicron
●Size: To 2cm
●Origin: Lake Inle, Myanmar
●Habitat: Densely planted regions of the lake ●Tank size: 60x30x30cm
●Water requirements: Slightly alkaline water; 7.2-8.0pH, 12-25°H
●Temperature: 20-25°C
●Temperament: Skittish fish, can be aggressive in small numbers
●Feeding: Plenty of very fine foods including flake, Cyclops, freshly hatched Artemia and microworms
●Availability and cost: Periodically available, prices from £3 each
●Suggested shoal size: 20 upwards
Of all the fish I’ve kept in my life, Harlequins are up there as some of the most tolerant to water chemistry. Best of all, they hold on to their shoaling instincts the most of all the species showcased here, and they will do so even in relatively small numbers. Make them the centrepiece of a community and you’ll not regret it. You’ll also struggle to ever kill the things.
●Scientific name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
●Size: To 5cm, males slightly smaller
●Origin: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia
●Habitat: Forest streams and karst springs
●Tank size: 60x30x30cm
●Water requirements: Acidic to slightly alkaline water; 5.5-7.5pH, 2-15°H
●Temperature: 22-28°C
●Temperament: Confident community fish
●Feeding: Wholly unfussy, offer flakes, pellets, live and frozen Daphnia, bloodworm
●Availability and cost: Readily available, prices from around £2.50
●Suggested shoal size: 12 upwards
If you’ve a fondness for seeing a fish flicking its fins like a set of semaphore flags, this is the species not to be missed. Equipped with astonishing fin tips and pre-loaded with a range of displays and dances, there’s nothing sadder than seeing a pair of isolated Forktails with nobody to display to. Save a fortune by buying them when they’re young and bland and growing them on — they won’t take long, and you’ll cut the cost in half.
●Scientific name: Pseudomugil furcatus
●Size: To 6cm
●Origin: Papua New Guinea
●Habitat: Heavily planted clearwater streams
●Tank size: 75x30x30cm
●Water requirements: Slightly alkaline water; 7.2-8.0pH, 30°H
●Temperature: 24-28°C
●Temperament: Outstanding community fish, which is often why it’s only kept in small numbers
●Feeding: Wholly unfussy, offer flakes, pellets, live and frozen Daphnia, bloodworm
●Availability and cost: Periodically available, prices start at £3.50 each for young fish without markings, and £8 each or more for fully coloured adults
●Suggested shoal size: 12 upwards