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.
Rose Danio At a Glance
Rose Danio Tank Requirements
Will Rose Danio fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Rose Danio needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Rose Danio against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Rose Danio Water Parameters
Rose Danio Temperament & Compatibility
Rose Danio Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the hobby. Must be kept in a school of at least 6 to feel secure. Males will display the brightest pink/rose coloration when competing for the slightly plumper females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Rose Danio Care Guide Summary
The Rose Danio, scientifically known as Danio roseus, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Rose Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Rose Danio is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Rose Danio is typically available in one standard form.
Rose Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Rose Danio, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. 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.
Rose Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Rose 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, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Rose Danio Is Actually For
Rose 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 Rose 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.
Rose Danio Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Rose Danio.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Danio
How big does Rose Danio get?
Rose Danio (Danio roseus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Rose Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Rose Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Rose Danio need?
Rose Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Rose Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Rose 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 Rose Danio should be kept together?
Rose 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 Rose Danio have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Rose Danio benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Rose Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Rose 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.
Useful setup supplies
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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
Top Tank Mates for Rose Danio
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Rose Danio based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesSan Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Rose Danio
These plants pair well with Rose Danio based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Rose Danio
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.
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.
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
Tiger Danio
Devario maetaengensis
The Tiger Danio is a striking, fast-swimming schooling fish endemic to the clear, fast-flowing headwaters of northern Thailand. Known for their bold vertical barring and highly energetic nature, they require specialized 'hillstream' setups with pristine, highly oxygenated water and strong flow. Due to their intense activity levels, they should not be kept with slow-moving or shy tank mates.
Sepik Rainbowfish
Glossolepis multisquamata
The Sepik Rainbowfish, also known as the Rosy Rainbowfish, is a vibrant schooling fish native to the floodplains, swampy lagoons, and slow-moving rivers of New Guinea. They are highly active swimmers that display stunning metallic and red coloration. They thrive in densely planted aquariums with ample open swimming space and require a group to feel secure and display their best colors.