Fire Ring Danio

About

Found in Myanmar's Kachin region, this small schooling fish, Danio tinwini, has had a somewhat tangled history in the hobby. First appearing around 2003 under a string of trade names like 'fire ring danio' and 'gold ring danio' before wider availability followed a couple of years later. Its taxonomy has also shifted considerably, with many authorities now placing it in the genus Brachydanio, though you'll still find it sold under the Danio name. Visually, it's distinguishable from close relatives like B. kyathit by its spotted rather than striped patterning in the unpaired fins, its noticeably shorter barbels, and a series of spots forming the P+1 body stripe rather than a solid band. It also carries spots in the caudal and dorsal fins, which sets it apart at a glance. Behaviorally, it's a peaceful, active schooler best kept in groups of at least eight to ten. Larger groups produce more natural behavior, reduce skittishness, and bring out the best coloration in males as they display to each other. It's compatible with a wide range of similarly-sized peaceful fish, though its small adult size means tankmates need to be chosen with care. Breeding is achievable in a home aquarium with some preparation, making it a rewarding project for intermediate keepers with an interest in small cyprinids.