LongFin Leopard Danio 3.5cm

LongFin Leopard Danio

The LongFin Leopard Danio is a popular freshwater fish that is often chosen for its distinctive pattern and long flowing fins. They are known for their active and playful nature, which makes them a great addition to any community aquarium. These fish are native to Southeast Asia and are commonly found in the Mekong River and its tributaries.

The LongFin Leopard Danio has a range of vibrant yellow and green shades on the body. The face and nape of the fish are a deep olive green which transitions into a sulphuric yellow, this also leads into the fins. To contrast with this, they also have a unique patterning of dark blue and black spots along with a unique pattern of black and gold shimmering which goes from head to tail. These are awesome nano schooling species and can easily be mixed with a range of other small danio species to create a beautiful danio display. 

Breeding long-fin leopard danios is a fairly simple process. To begin, a separate breeding tank should be set up with a smooth substrate, plenty of plants for cover, and a sponge filter. Whilst sexing these fish is difficult, females tend to be rounder compared to males especially when mature. A small group of males and females should be introduced to the tank and conditioned with high-quality food for a couple of days. The females will lay their eggs on plants or the substrate, which the males will then fertilize. After spawning, the adults should be removed from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming in a few days. It is important to feed them small live foods such as baby brine shrimp or micro-worms until they are large enough to eat commercial fry food. 

Tank Recommendations for your LongFin Leopard Danio

LongFin Leopard Danios are a peaceful species and can be kept in groups of 5 or more, although larger groups are recommended. They are schooling fish, and it is essential to keep them in a group to prevent stress and promote their natural behavior. Danios are active swimmers and enjoy having ample space to swim around, so it's recommended to provide them with an aquarium of at least 70 liters in size.

They prefer a well-oxygenated and planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as driftwood or plants. They enjoy swimming through and hiding in plants, whilst also making them contrast really well. LongFin Leopard Danios prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The water temperature should be maintained between 22-26°C.

Suitable Tank Buddies

LongFin leopard danios are a super friendly species that can easily get along with a wide range of community aquarium fish. They have small mouths, are not fin nippers and should rarely outcompete their tank mates. Fin-nipping tank mates however should be avoided as they may make short work of the flowing fins. 

Usually Compatible

Giant danios, Harlequin rasbora, Debra danio, sparkling gourami, bristlenose plecos, corydoras, and a range of other peaceful community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger community angelfish might show mild aggression along with fin-nipping species like rosy barbs or tiger barbs. 

Rarely Compatible

It is best to avoid large and aggressive species which would prey on the danios such as Oscar or jaguar cichlids. Whilst leopard danios are incredibly hardy, smaller African cichlids may not be too suitable due to water parameter requirements. 

Feeding your LongFin Leopard Danio

LongFin Leopard Danios are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. They enjoy small-sized live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, as well as high-quality dry flakes or pellets. They have a fast metabolism and require frequent feeding of small amounts of food throughout the day.