The majority of rasboras are shoaling fish, and if they are kept singly in the aquarium, they become shy and nervous. There appears to be some recognition between members of a shoal, since new individuals added to an aquarium containing an established group are unlikely to be accepted readily by the rest of the shoal.
To create a thriving aquarium, the natural requirements of its inhabitants for light and heat must be matched by artificial means. In tropical regions, water temperatures are around 79°F (26°C), changing little from one day to the next, while lighting conditions vary according to environment and time of day. Modern technology allows the optimum conditions to be created with relative ease.
Danios are very similar to barbs but are much slimmer-bodied. They are Asian fishes and are found in large shoals in fast flowing waters. In the aquarium they prefer the upper layers of the water and may be seen cruising around all day. Most people buy just a couple, but with only two much of the beauty is lost as the fishes have no others to display to. They are peaceful, ideal community fishes.
