Danio Cosmic Blue: A Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

The Danio Cosmic Blue is a stunning and energetic freshwater fish known for its iridescent blue coloration and active schooling behavior. As part of the Danio family, it is a hardy species that thrives in community tanks, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Likely a selectively bred variety of Danio rerio (Zebra Danio) or Danio kerri
• Common Name: Danio Cosmic Blue
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Natural Habitat: Originates from slow-moving streams and rivers in South and Southeast Asia, but the Cosmic Blue variety is a captive-bred strain.
• Behavior: Highly active, prefers schooling with its own kind, and enjoys fast swimming.
• Tank Preferences: Open swimming areas with some plants for shelter.
• Ideal Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderate (5-12 dGH)
  • Temperature: 22-26°C (72-78°F)
• Care Level: Easy

Origin and Distribution

The Danio Cosmic Blue is a selectively bred aquarium strain derived from wild Danio species found in India, Myanmar, and Thailand. While not found in nature, its parent species thrive in freshwater streams, rice paddies, and floodplains.

Colors and Markings

This species is known for its vibrant cosmic blue coloration, which can shift between metallic blue and purple hues under different lighting. Some individuals may have faint horizontal stripes similar to Zebra Danios.

Tankmates

• Best Companions:
  • Other small, peaceful fish like neon tetras, rasboras, guppies, and corydoras.
  • Other danios, such as Leopard Danios and Zebra Danios.
• Avoid:
  • Slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas and fancy guppies (Danios may nip their fins).
  • Aggressive species such as cichlids that may outcompete them for food.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 15-20 gallons for a school of six or more.
• Filtration: Strong filtration preferred (hang-on-back or sponge filter).
• Water Changes: 25% weekly to maintain water clarity.
• Lighting: Moderate to highlight their iridescent colors.
• Substrate & Plants:
  • Dark substrate enhances their blue glow.
  • Live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort provide hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Food Recommendations:
  • High-quality flakes and pellets
  • Live or frozen foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp)
  • Vegetable matter (blanched spinach, spirulina flakes)
• Feeding Frequency: Twice a day in small portions.

Gender Differences

• Males: Slimmer body, slightly more intense coloration.
• Females: Rounder body, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Breeding Requirements:
  • A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
  • Temperature around 24-26°C to encourage spawning.
• Egg Laying:
  • Females scatter hundreds of eggs on plants or the substrate.
  • Parents may eat the eggs, so remove adults after spawning.
• Fry Care:
  • Feed fry infusoria, liquid fry food, and later baby brine shrimp.
  • Maintain gentle filtration to prevent fry from being sucked in.

Additional Resources

If you love Danio Cosmic Blue, you might also be interested in Celestial Pearl Danios, Glowlight Danios, or Leopard Danios for a colorful and dynamic aquarium!

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