掸邦

Overview

A peaceful shoaling fish from Myanmar, Devario shanensis has narrow bars at the front of the flanks and a continuously pigmented stripe behind them. The unbroken rear band helps distinguish it from similar fishes whose stripe consists of adjoining blotches.

Distribution & habitat

Known records concern the Duthawadi and Salween drainages in Shan State, although the full range remains uncertain. Specimens have been collected from clear, fast streams over rocks, pebbles and sand.

Aquarium setup

Rounded stones, sand, gravel and wood can create an appropriate flowing-water layout, with hardy plants attached to the hardscape. Maintain clean water, ample oxygen and moderate circulation. Weekly changes of around a third to half of the volume help control organic accumulation. Extreme current is unnecessary, but a secure cover is essential.

Diet & feeding

Insects and larvae are considered the likely principal natural foods. Aquarium fish are generally easy to feed. Quality dry products can be combined with small live or frozen invertebrates for a varied diet.

Behaviour & compatibility

Its mild temperament permits a thoughtfully chosen community with compatible environmental needs. Eight to ten or more conspecifics are preferable to a few individuals, reducing nervousness and encouraging male displays. Most social ranking interactions then remain within the group.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are larger, deeper-bodied and less strongly colored. Reproductive males intensify their coloration.

Breeding

This species scatters eggs and does not guard them. A few fry may survive unaided in an established planted tank. For better control, use a separate dim aquarium with mature water, gentle aeration and mesh, plants or mops protecting eggs. Condition adults and introduce one or two pairs; spawning may occur within a day. Remove adults after roughly two days even if spawning was not seen.

Hatching commonly takes about one to one and a half days, depending on temperature, with free swimming several days later. Begin with microscopic foods and progress to larger live foods and fine powders as the fry develop.

Notes

Older names may place the species in another genus. Lateral-line completeness also varies, so identification should combine several features, including stripe structure and barbel development.