Can Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Emerald Dwarf Danio

Danio erythromicron

Thinbar Datnoid

Datnioides undecimradiatus

🐠Family Group
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Cyprinids
Thinbar Datnoid
Oddballs
Temperament
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Peaceful (1/10)
Thinbar Datnoid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Emerald Dwarf Danio
20–24°C
Thinbar Datnoid
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Emerald Dwarf Danio
7–8
Thinbar Datnoid
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Emerald Dwarf Danio
8–20
Thinbar Datnoid
5–18
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Freshwater Only
Thinbar Datnoid
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Low
Thinbar Datnoid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 570 L
Emerald Dwarf Danio
38 L
Thinbar Datnoid
570 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Emerald Dwarf Danio
MiddleBottom
Thinbar Datnoid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Thinbar Datnoid
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Emerald Dwarf Danio
Thinbar Datnoid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Emerald Dwarf Danio is a peaceful species (1/10), while Thinbar Datnoid is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Thinbar Datnoid may occasionally assert dominance over Emerald Dwarf Danio.

Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Emerald Dwarf Danio is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–18 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 570 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Thinbar Datnoid is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Emerald Dwarf Danio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid need?

A minimum of 570 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 24°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Emerald Dwarf Danio or Thinbar Datnoid aggressive?

Emerald Dwarf Danio is peaceful (1/10) and Thinbar Datnoid is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Emerald Dwarf Danio and Thinbar Datnoid need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Thinbar Datnoid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Thinbar Datnoid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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