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.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Emerald Dwarf Danio Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
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.
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
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
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.
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.
Common Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesWhiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
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.
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.
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
A tiny, peaceful shoaling fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for their striking red/orange coloration and distinct dark body spots. They are an excellent choice for heavily planted nano tanks and peaceful dwarf shrimp setups. Because of their minute size, they are easily outcompeted for food and predated upon by larger fish.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
A smaller, peaceful species of rainbowfish native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They feature striking silver/yellow bodies with horizontal red, brown, or orange stripes. Unlike larger Melanotaenia species, their smaller size makes them suitable for medium aquariums. They are highly active schooling fish that require open swimming space and display their best colors in the morning.
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
The Giant Danio is a robust, incredibly active schooling fish native to fast-flowing streams in South Asia. Known for their striking blue and gold horizontal stripes, they are constantly in motion and require long tanks with strong water flow. Due to their boisterous nature, they make excellent 'dither fish' for mild-mannered cichlids but should not be kept with slow, shy, or long-finned species as they will easily outcompete them for food.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.