Size 2-3cm

Temperature: In Kachin the air temperature varies between 80°F/26.6°C in summer and 60°F/15.5°C in winter. Under aquarium conditions the fish seem most comfortable between 18 – 26 °C.

pH: 6.5 – 7.5

Hardness: The water in northern Myanmar is typically soft so aim for somewhere within the range 18 – 90 ppm.

This species is generally peaceful making it an ideal resident of the well-furnished community tank although its small adult size must be accounted for.

As it places no special demands in terms of water chemistry it can be combined with many of the most popular fish in the hobby including other small cyprinids as well as tetras, livebearers, rainbowfishes, anabantoids, catfishes and loaches.

As always when selecting a compatible community of fish proper research is essential, however, and its small adult size must be taken into account.

A community based around fishes from Kachin could also make an interesting display with other species from the area including Celestichthys choprae, Brachydanio kyathit, Pethia erythromycter, P. didi, Acanthocobitis zonalternans, Lepidocephalichthys guntea, Badis corycaeus and Dario hysginon.

It’s a schooling species by nature and should be maintained in a group of at least 8-10 specimens.

Maintaining it in decent numbers will not only make the fish less nervous but result in a more effective, natural-looking display while males will also exhibit their best colours as they compete with one other for female attention.

Image is credited to Aquatic Gardens and does not represent actual product.