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Gold Ring Danio

Danio tinwini

Also called Brachydanio tinwini, Danio sp. 'TW02', Fire ring danio, Spotted danio, Burma danio

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to the Mogaung Chaung stream, Myitkyina District, Kachin State, northern Myanmar, in the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) drainage12

At a glance the quick version

Length2.2 to 3 cm312
Lifespan2 to 3 years2
Sizesmall
Peaceful community fish
Unusual spotted pattern
Small size suits modest tanks
1

Looks how to spot one

Small, slender cyprinid with short barbels

A small danio decorated with rows of dark spots, each ringed in gold, across a silvery body with blue and emerald hints. Unlike its striped relatives, it has spots in the tail and dorsal fins too. Females are slightly bigger and rounder, and males brighten when breeding.12

Colourssilver to golden bodydark gold-ringed spotsblue and emerald sheenspotted fins12

Personality what they are like

Calm and sociable. In a good sized group it is confident and active; kept in small numbers it can be nervous.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active swimmer that likes some open space as well as planted cover. It is a strong jumper, so the lid must fit snugly.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to feed and care for. Keep water clean and well oxygenated and make sure the cover has no gaps.1

Home where they are happiest

Soft water at about 18 to 26 C, pH roughly 6.5 to 7.5 and hardness 1 to 5 dGH. A base of at least 45 x 30 cm (about 40 litres). Dense planting with rocks and gravel suits it, mirroring the slow edges of clear streams.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An unfussy omnivore. Takes dry foods well, with small live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp for best colour.1

Company who they like around

Keep in a group of at least 8 to 10. Fits well with tetras, livebearers, loaches and other small cyprinids.1

The story where it all began

First seen in the aquarium trade in 2003 under the code name Danio sp. TW02. Kullander and Fang described it scientifically in 2009, naming it after U Tin Win, the Myanmar fish collector and exporter who gathered the specimens.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is named after U Tin Win, a fish collector and exporter from Myanmar.1

  2. 2

    It was sold for several years under the code name Danio sp. TW02 before it had a scientific name.1

  3. 3

    It is known from just one stream system, the Mogaung Chaung in northern Myanmar.1

  4. 4

    Unlike most of its relatives, it has spotted rather than striped fins.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Not Evaluated (as listed by FishBase)3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Gold Ring Danio. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Gold Ring Danio?

Feed your Gold Ring Danio small amounts once or twice a day. They enjoy dry foods and occasional live or frozen treats for best color.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Gold Ring Danio eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat dry foods well, along with small live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and brine shrimp. What to avoid varies, so ask a vet or good breeder for specifics.1

How much space does a Gold Ring Danio need?

They need a tank with a base of at least 45x30 cm (about 40 litres). Provide open swimming space and planted cover.1

What temperature, light or water does a Gold Ring Danio need?

Keep water soft at 18-26°C, pH 6.5-7.5, and hardness 1-5 dGH. Use a snug lid as they are strong jumpers.1

How often should I clean a Gold Ring Danio's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly, clean the glass, and rinse the filter in old tank water monthly.1 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Gold Ring Danio live with others?

Yes, they are calm and sociable. Keep them in a group of at least 8-10, and they get along with tetras, livebearers, loaches, and other small cyprinids.1

How long does a Gold Ring Danio live?

They typically live 2 to 3 years with proper care.2

Can I handle a Gold Ring Danio?

It's best not to handle your Gold Ring Danio; they are delicate fish. For any health or handling concerns, ask a vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Brachydanio tinwini (Gold Ring Danio), Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, habitat, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, colours, history, fun facts
  2. Danio tinwini, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan, colours, history, fin pattern
  3. Danio tinwini, FishBase fishbase.seused for max length, IUCN status

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.