Emerald Dwarf Danio
Danio erythromicron
An exquisite, tiny cyprinid endemic to Lake Inle in Myanmar. Known for their striking emerald vertical bands and reddish-orange fins. Because they originate from a slightly alkaline mountain lake, they prefer cooler, harder water than many tropical fish. They are notoriously shy and must be kept in schools in heavily planted tanks with broken sightlines to feel secure.
Emerald Dwarf Danio At a Glance
Emerald Dwarf Danio Tank Requirements
Will Emerald Dwarf Danio fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Emerald Dwarf Danio needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Emerald Dwarf Danio against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Emerald Dwarf Danio Water Parameters
Emerald Dwarf Danio Temperament & Compatibility
Emerald Dwarf Danio Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form available in the hobby. Dominant males exhibit bright metallic blue/green bars and deep orange fins, while females are plumper with muted silver/green bands. Usually sold unsexed in groups.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Unsexed
Emerald Dwarf Danio Care Guide Summary
The Emerald Dwarf Danio, scientifically known as Danio erythromicron, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Emerald Dwarf Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 24°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Emerald Dwarf Danio is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Emerald Dwarf Danio is typically available in one standard form.
Emerald Dwarf Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Emerald Dwarf Danio, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Emerald Dwarf Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Emerald Dwarf Danio is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Emerald Dwarf Danio Is Actually For
Emerald Dwarf Danio is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Emerald Dwarf Danio for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Emerald Dwarf Danio Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Emerald Dwarf Danio.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Dwarf Danio
How big does Emerald Dwarf Danio get?
Emerald Dwarf Danio (Danio erythromicron) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Emerald Dwarf Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Emerald Dwarf Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Emerald Dwarf Danio need?
Emerald Dwarf Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–24°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Emerald Dwarf Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Emerald Dwarf Danio is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Emerald Dwarf Danio should be kept together?
Emerald Dwarf Danio is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Emerald Dwarf Danio have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Emerald Dwarf Danio benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Emerald Dwarf Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Emerald Dwarf Danio is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
- Last updated
- May 4, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Emerald Dwarf Danio
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Emerald Dwarf Danio based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesPurple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lentiginosa
Loricaria lentiginosa
Ideal Tank MatesGoby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Parotocinclus jumbo
Ideal Tank MatesCommon Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Emerald Dwarf Danio
These plants pair well with Emerald Dwarf Danio based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Emerald Dwarf Danio
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
A highly active, schooling cyprinid native to the clear, flowing streams of Southeast Asia. Known for their iridescent, pearlescent bodies that shimmer under aquarium lighting with hints of blue, pink, and orange. They are very hardy but require significant horizontal swimming space and a tight-fitting lid due to their notorious jumping ability.
Glowlight Danio
Danio choprae
A strikingly colorful and hyperactive nano fish native to the Irrawaddy River drainage in Myanmar. Named for its glowing orange/red horizontal bands and vertical barring. Despite their small size, they are incredibly fast, dynamic swimmers that require a long aquarium with ample swimming space. They must be kept in large schools and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Red Dwarf Rasbora
Microrasbora rubescens
A stunning but rare nano species endemic to Lake Inle, Myanmar. Unlike most rasboras that prefer soft acidic water, this species strictly requires harder, alkaline water (pH 7.5+) to thrive and display its vibrant orange-red coloration. They are peaceful, active schoolers that must be kept in large groups in planted aquariums.
Rose Danio
Danio roseus
A lively and colorful schooling fish from Southeast Asia. Rose Danios are characterized by their pinkish-purple iridescence, which becomes especially vibrant in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting. Like all Danios, they are incredibly active swimmers and prolific jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid and a horizontally long tank to accommodate their energetic nature.
Zebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
The Zebra Spiny Eel is a fascinating, small eel-like fish native to the Inle Lake region of Myanmar. Known for its striking vertical stripes and elongated snout, it is a peaceful but shy bottom-dweller. It strictly requires a soft sand substrate to burrow into, as gravel can severely damage its skin and lead to fatal bacterial infections. A micropredator by nature, it will hunt small shrimp and fry but remains entirely peaceful toward appropriately sized tank mates. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory, as they are notorious escape artists.