Gold Ring Danio

Brachydanio tinwini, commonly known as the Gold Ring Danio (formerly Danio tinwini), is a miniature danionin species from the Kachin state of northern Myanmar. Adults reach just 2–3 cm in length, making them one of the smallest danios in the hobby, and are best maintained in groups in a tank with a base of at least 45 × 30 cm. The species is named for the distinctive golden ring encircling the eye and the iridescent golden patches on its flanks. They prefer relatively cool, well-oxygenated water with temperatures of 18–26 °C, pH of 6.5–7.5, and soft water of 18–90 ppm hardness, reflecting the seasonal temperature fluctuations of their native habitat. The Gold Ring Danio is a peaceful, active nano fish ideal for well-furnished community tanks, though its tiny adult size must be considered when selecting tankmates. Suitable companions include other small cyprinids such as Celestichthys choprae and Brachydanio kyathit, as well as small tetras, livebearers, and peaceful loaches. In the wild, it feeds chiefly on insects and their larvae; in the aquarium it accepts most quality dried foods supplemented with small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia for optimal colour and conditioning. The species is an egg-scatterer with no parental care and will readily spawn in a well-planted aquarium, with fry appearing among fine-leaved plants if left undisturbed.