Longfin Blue Danios (Danio rerio) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Longfin Blue Danio (Danio rerio), a variety of the popular Blue Danio, is a small, vibrant freshwater fish that is widely kept in aquariums due to its beauty, active behavior, and ease of care. This fish is a variant of the regular Blue Danio but is specifically recognized for its elongated, flowing fins.

Appearance
Body: The Longfin Blue Danio has a slender, elongated body. Its overall coloration is a striking metallic blue with subtle silver hues. The fish often exhibits a series of horizontal blue stripes along its body that can shimmer in the light.
Fins: The defining characteristic of the Longfin Blue Danio is its long, flowing fins. The tail, dorsal, and pectoral fins are significantly longer than those of the regular Blue Danio, giving it a more graceful appearance in the water.
Size: Adult Longfin Blue Danios generally grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more vibrant in color, while females tend to be fuller-bodied and may be slightly larger.

Habitat and Distribution
Native Range: The Longfin Blue Danio is a variant of the common zebrafish (Danio rerio), which originates from South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The longfin variety has been selectively bred in captivity for aquarium purposes.
Aquarium Adaptability: They thrive in freshwater aquariums and are suitable for a range of water conditions, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarium hobbyists.

Behavior
Temperament: Longfin Blue Danios are known for their peaceful and friendly nature. They are social fish that do well in schools and can coexist with other non-aggressive species.
Activity: These fish are very active swimmers, constantly darting around the tank. Their energetic movements make them a lively addition to an aquarium, though they are not aggressive and generally avoid conflict.
Schooling: It is best to keep them in groups of at least 5-6 individuals, as they feel more secure and display more natural behaviors in groups.

Diet
Omnivorous: Longfin Blue Danios are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will consume a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists of small invertebrates, zooplankton, and plant material. In captivity, they will eat a variety of foods such as high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, and small daphnia or worms.
Feeding Tips: Offer them a balanced diet to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients. Feed them small amounts several times a day rather than overfeeding, as they can become prone to obesity if fed too much.

Water Conditions
Temperature: Longfin Blue Danios thrive in a water temperature range of 64-75°F (18-24°C).
pH: The ideal pH range is between 6.5 to 7.5, though they can tolerate a slightly more alkaline environment.
Hardness: They prefer moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) around 5-15 dGH.
Water Quality: They require clean, well-filtered water. Regular water changes are essential for maintaining their health.

Breeding
Egg Layer: Longfin Blue Danios, like the regular Blue Danios, are egg layers. They often breed in the morning and scatter their eggs over plants or other surfaces.
Spawning: Spawning can be encouraged by providing a separate breeding tank with soft, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, adult fish should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Eggs and Fry: The eggs hatch within 2-3 days, and the fry can be fed with infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to consume regular fish food.

Lifespan
Longevity: With proper care, Longfin Blue Danios typically live for 2 to 3 years in an aquarium setting, although some individuals can live longer.

Tank Requirements
Tank Size: A tank of at least 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a small group of Longfin Blue Danios. They appreciate a well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space.
Tankmates: They are compatible with many other peaceful fish species, such as other danios, tetras, guppies, and rasboras. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or larger fish that might stress or harm them.

Health and Common Issues
Resilience: Longfin Blue Danios are generally hardy and resistant to many common aquarium diseases, though they can be susceptible to conditions like ich, fin rot, or dropsy if water quality is poor.
Prevention: Maintaining excellent water quality, providing a balanced diet, and avoiding overcrowding will help prevent many health issues.

The Longfin Blue Danio is a beautiful and energetic addition to any freshwater aquarium. With its striking appearance, peaceful demeanor, and ease of care, it's an ideal choice for hobbyists of all experience levels. Whether kept in a community tank or as part of a species-specific setup, these fish provide a lively, colorful display that enhances the beauty of any aquatic environment.