Lake Inle Danio (Inlecypris auropurpurea)

Lake Inle Danio (scientific name: Inlecypris auropurpurea, sometimes listed as Devario auropurpureus) is a striking freshwater fish species endemic to Lake Inle in Myanmar. 

Quick Facts

• Family: Danionidae
• Origin: Lake Inle, Myanmar
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN)
• Size: Typically 6–8 cm, occasionally up to 10 cm 
• Schooling: Yes, best kept in groups of 8–10 individuals 
• Temperament: Peaceful, active, but can be skittish; avoid aggressive or very slow tank mates 

Appearance

• Body Shape: Streamlined, torpedo-like
• Coloration: Silvery base with 20–30 black vertical stripes over a golden-yellow lateral band; some individuals show purple-blue hues
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are rounder and less colorful than males 

Natural Habitat

• Found in submerged vegetation zones of Lake Inle
• Water parameters in the lake:
  • pH: 7.1–8.8
  • Temperature: 21–29 °C (daytime)
  • Hard water, slightly alkaline

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Spacious, with open swimming areas and dense planting along edges
• Water Parameters:
  • Temp: 20–23 °C
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • GH: 10–25 
• Setup Tips:
  • Moderate flow, well-oxygenated water
  • Floating plants help reduce skittishness
  • Tight-fitting lid (they jump!) 

Diet

• Wild: Insects and aquatic invertebrates
• Captivity: High-quality flakes, live/frozen foods like mosquito larvae, Drosophila, etc. 

Breeding

• Method: Egg scatterer, no parental care
• Spawns on or near fine plants
• Females become rounder when gravid