Animal-World > Aquarium Tropical Fish > Cyprinids > Hikari Danio

Hikari Danio

Hikari Yellow Danio ~ Hikari Blue Danio

Family: CyprinidaeDanio rerioPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

  The Hikari Danio is quite a novelty in the hobby and has risen out of obscurity only in the years since its introduction in 2002/2003!

   Perhaps the crowning achievement of the Hikari Danio is that it is one of few freshwater fish whose sexes have distinctly different colors. The colors are different enough that the sexes are often erroneously referred to as separate species. Sometimes referred to as the Hikari Yellow Danio and the Hikari Blue Danio, these two fish are actually the same species. The Hikari Yellow Danio is the male and has a yellow tinge to the fins and body, whereas the Hikari Blue Danio is the female and will be noticeably bluer in color. Although not overly flashy, their simple color pattern can be just as impressive as the next fish.

   Hikari Danios are a generally pleasant community fish. They will do well with other small fish that can tolerate fast moving active tank mates. They can also jump with surprising gusto so keep a tight covering on your aquarium. Like all danios, they are robust, fairly easy to keep, and prolific breeders

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Habitat: Distribution / Background

    Hikari Danio or Hikari Yellow Danio is native to clear, fast moving streams in Burma, Asia.

• Scientific Name: Danio rerio
• Social Grouping: Groups
• IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed

Description

   The Hikari Danio is a small fish with a rather compact body. The male has a yellow tinge to the fins and body whereas the female will be noticeably bluer in color. There are no varieties of this fish in existence today.

• Maximum Size: 2.0 inches (5.08 cm)

Fish Keeping Difficulty

• Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
• Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

   Since they are omnivorous, Hikari Danios will try to eat anything that will fit in their mouths. This is not however an indication that an imbalanced diet is good enough for them. A good balance of food is necessary to keep this fish's coloration strong. As with all danios, these fish are quite active and have high nutrient requirements, so select a flake food that will provide for their needs.
   Hikari Danios are little survivors, and will readily adapt to your aquarium's conditions (within reason). Though a school of danios can be kept in a smaller aquarium, they will do best in about a 20 gallon size. These fish can swim, and therefore jump with surprising gusto, so keep a tight covering on the tank. They will also appreciate some current in the water.

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablet Pellet: Yes
• Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
• Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
• Meaty Food: Some of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day

Aquarium Care

• Water Changes: Monthly

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L) - This fish appreciates ample swimming space.
• Substrate Type: Any
• Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
• Temperature: 68.0 - 80.0° F (20.0 - 26.7° C)
• Range ph: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness Range: 2 - 18 dGH
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Moderate
• Water Region: All - The Hikari Danio will move about the tank a lot, but will usually swim in the middle.

Social Behaviors

    Hikari Danios have a good temperament, but they will sometimes go looking for trouble. The aquarist should not be surprised to see occasional fights amongst their own kind or relatives. Hikari Danios will play amongst each other, and often wrongly assume that the other fish want to join in. Larger fish may be irritated by them, and smaller fish may be terrified. Danios create an inherently fast paced environment which many fish may not tolerate so select the tank well.

• Temperament: Peaceful - Although generally peaceful, the aquarist should not be suprised to witness small squabbles amongst the Hikari Danios and possibly other tankmates. This fish is very lively and active which might irritate fish that prefer a calm environment.
• Same species - conspecifics: Yes
• Peaceful fish (): Safe
• Semi-Aggressive (): Threat
• Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive

Sex: Sexual differences

    Hikari Danios are among the easiest fish to sex, the males will be distinctly yellow in color with turquoise patches. Females will be silvery blue with turquoise patches.

Breeding / Reproduction

   Breeding the Hikari Danio is not difficult. Two fish will form a breeding pair which they sometimes keep for life. Add the female to a separate breeding tank and let her settle for about a day before adding the male.
   After they are both in the tank, and if conditions are favorable, the female will release her eggs in open water and the male will fertilize. The eggs will scatter on the plants and substrate. The fry will emerge from there after about 7 days. At that time or before, parents should either be removed or kept constantly well fed.

• Ease of Breeding: Easy

Availability

   The Hikari Danio is being offered in more and more locations, but is as of yet rather uncommon. Cost ranges generally from $3 - $5 USD in a pet store and about the same from internet or mail order.

References

Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants

Author: "Yvonne"

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