Cochin in Kerala, and Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu to Goa, India.
Maximum Size
3cm (1.18")
Temperature
22-24°C
Water Parameters
Soft to medium. pH: 6.0-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
Medium
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are fuller bodied. Males in breeding condition often display brighter colours.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Dadio is an ideal species for cooler, planted softwater aquaria. Due to their tightly shoaling nature, this species must be maintained in groups of at least 6 specimens, and preferably many more. The aquarium must be mature, fairly spacious, and incorporate a good deal of planting (both rooted and floating) in order to provide much appreciated cover. In the wild, these fish inhabit sub-tropical pools and streams, so cooler than average temperatures and gentle water circulation is advised. Being expert jumpers, Dadios must only be kept in tanks with tightly fitting coverslides. Dadios are sensitive to poor water quality or quick changes in water chemistry. It is therefore prudent to carry out frequent partial water changes rather than large, infrequent changes. This species is not recommended for beginners. The Dadio naturally occurs in two distinct colour morphs. One sports a distinct solid blue horizontal line, whereas the other shows a series of dots along this line. Both are known to live side by side in nature. May also be seen on sale as Burjor's Brilliance or Orange Hatchetfish.
Feeding
Flake, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia and baby brineshrimp.
Breeding
Challenging. This species is known to spawn between fine-leaved plants growing near the water's surface. The fry are said to be tiny and very difficult to raise on to adulthood.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
