金线

Overview

A rarely encountered active devario, Devario chrysotaeniatus has comparatively subdued side striping. It is not notably aggressive, but energetic swimming and feeding still make timid companions a poor match.

Distribution & habitat

Its known range belongs to the upper Mekong system, covering Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, northern Laos and northern Thailand. The upland region has marked seasonal rainfall. Rocky hill streams and small rivers with marginal shelter are the probable habitats, with flow likely changing through the year.

Aquarium setup

Provide a long swimming area within a stream-style layout of sand, gravel, rounded rocks and wood. Hardy attached plants can be used. Keep organic pollution low, oxygen plentiful and circulation moderate. Weekly changes of approximately a third to half of the water are recommended, and the lid must close securely to contain jumping fish.

Diet & feeding

Insects and their larvae are considered the most likely wild foods. Aquarium feeding is generally straightforward. Supplement a quality prepared staple with frequent small live or frozen invertebrates.

Behaviour & compatibility

Choose robust, similarly sized companions with compatible needs for a spacious aquarium. Slow or shy fishes may be unsettled. At least eight to ten conspecifics help reduce nervousness and keep ranking interactions within the shoal; rival males commonly show stronger coloration.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are expected to be a little larger, paler and fuller in the abdomen. Breeding males develop vivid orange toward the lower rear of the body and along the middle tail rays.

Breeding

Methods used for related egg scatterers provide a starting point. Set up a separate dim aquarium with established water, gentle aeration and mesh, fine plants or mops to shelter eggs. Introduce conditioned pairs and remove adults after spawning; about two days is also a practical removal point if spawning has not been observed. Fry require microscopic first foods before progressing to larger live foods and fine powders. Development varies with temperature.

Notes

Look for a small mark behind the gill opening, a dark line along the back and faint short side stripes. Two short pairs of barbels offer another identifying feature; an evocative common name alone is insufficient.