Matt Clarke on a colourful new Danio from Myanmar.
Common name: Glowlight danio
Scientific name: Danio choprai (the original name was choprae, but this has now been changed to choprai).
Origin: This species is endemic to Myanmar (formerly Burma) and is found in Irrawaddy, northern Myanmar and Kachin State, Putao.
Size: Up to 3cm/1.2".
Habitat: D. choprae is apparently found in streams and wells.
Notes: This species was described by Hora in 1928, and was previously known as Brachydanio choprai. Some people have erroneously identified these as Danio maetaengensis, which is a bigger species, reaching 5cm/2". D. maetaengensis are in the Devario sub-genus and look like Giant danios with vertical barring. D. choprae is relatively easily distinguished from other danios. It is one of a handful
of species without a prominent lateral line; it has two pairs of maxillary barbels, both of which are shorter than the head, and it has 30-32 scales in the lateral series. The species is named after Mr Chopra, hence the scientific name should be choprai, rather than choprae (an "e" is used to denote a species named in honour of a woman).
Breeding: Like most Danio species, sexually mature females are fatter. The females may also be paler in colour. It breeds in typical danio style and is said to be fairly easy, although the
fry may be more slow growing than D. rerio.
Availability: These fish were photographed at wholesaler Israquarium - they may be able to source fish for your retailer.
Price: 1-2 each.