The Orange Hatchet Danio (Chela dadiburjori) is a small, peaceful, and hardy schooling fish native to India, reaching about 1.5 inches in size. It has a deep chest and powerful pectoral fins that give it its "hatchet" name and can be a bright yellow-orange with a dark lateral stripe, especially in males. This surface-dweller is known for being an active jumper and is a good choice for community or planted aquariums.
Appearance
Size: Up to 1.5 inches
Color: Bright yellow-orange body, with males often showing brighter colors, especially when mature
Distinguishing feature: A deep chest and powerful pectoral fins that aid in leaping out of the water, hence the "hatchet" name
Markings: A dark stripe runs along its midline
Sex differences: Females are more plump when mature, while males are skinnier and can develop brighter colors in breeding condition
Behavior and habitat
Behavior: A peaceful, social, and active schooling fish that tends to stay near the top of the water
Natural behavior: Jumps out of the water, so an aquarium lid is recommended
Origin: Native to South India, found in streams and pools with dense vegetation
Social needs: Should be kept in schools to encourage natural behavior
Care and compatibility
Tank size: A minimum of 10-20 gallons is recommended
Water parameters: Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including cooler water around 65−80∘𝐹 and a pH of 6.0-8.0
Diet: Omnivores that will accept flake foods, frozen foods, and small invertebrates
Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for most community tanks, but avoid keeping with docile species
The Orange Hatchet Danio (Chela dadiburjori) is a small, peaceful, and hardy schooling fish native to India, reaching about 1.5 inches in size. It has a deep chest and powerful pectoral fins that give it its "hatchet" name and can be a bright yellow-orange with a dark lateral stripe, especially in males. This surface-dweller is known for being an active jumper and is a good choice for community or planted aquariums.
Appearance
Size: Up to 1.5 inches
Color: Bright yellow-orange body, with males often showing brighter colors, especially when mature
Distinguishing feature: A deep chest and powerful pectoral fins that aid in leaping out of the water, hence the "hatchet" name
Markings: A dark stripe runs along its midline
Sex differences: Females are more plump when mature, while males are skinnier and can develop brighter colors in breeding condition
Behavior and habitat
Behavior: A peaceful, social, and active schooling fish that tends to stay near the top of the water
Natural behavior: Jumps out of the water, so an aquarium lid is recommended
Origin: Native to South India, found in streams and pools with dense vegetation
Social needs: Should be kept in schools to encourage natural behavior
Care and compatibility
Tank size: A minimum of 10-20 gallons is recommended
Water parameters: Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including cooler water around 65−80∘𝐹 and a pH of 6.0-8.0
Diet: Omnivores that will accept flake foods, frozen foods, and small invertebrates
Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for most community tanks, but avoid keeping with docile species
