Lake Inle Danio (Inlecypris Auropurpurea)

Lake Inle Danio | A Rare and Endemic Schooling Fish From Myanmar

The Lake Inle Danio (Inlecypris auropurpurea) is a captivating and relatively rare schooling fish endemic exclusively to Lake Inle — a remarkable highland lake in Shan State, Myanmar, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and unique aquatic life. Shimmering with a golden base tone overlaid with vertical stripes and a subtle purple-blue iridescence that intensifies under good lighting and cool, clean water, each individual displays a slightly different stripe pattern, making every fish uniquely its own. Fast, active, and endlessly entertaining in a proper school, the Lake Inle Danio is a standout choice for aquarists who want something genuinely unusual in their planted community tank.

Though sometimes sold under the names Tiger Rasbora or Inle Minnow, this species belongs to its own unique genus — Inlecypris — distinct from both true Danios and Devarios, and a reflection of the extraordinary fish life found nowhere else on earth but Lake Inle.

An Important Conservation Note

The Lake Inle Danio is endemic to a single lake ecosystem that faces significant pressure from habitat degradation and water quality decline. Purchasing tank-bred specimens where available supports responsible and sustainable fishkeeping practices.

Lake Inle Danio Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Inlecypris auropurpurea
• Also known as: Tiger Rasbora, Inle Minnow, Inle Danio
• Origin: Lake Inle, Shan State, Myanmar — endemic
• Adult size: up to 3 inches (7–8 cm) in aquarium conditions
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons — long tanks strongly preferred for active swimmers
• Temperature: 64–77°F (18–25°C) — a cooler water species; best colour and behaviour displayed at the lower end of this range
• pH: 7.0–8.0 — prefers moderately hard, slightly alkaline water reflecting Lake Inle conditions
• Hardness: 10–25 dGH
• Best kept in groups of 8 or more
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care

Lake Inle Danio Tank Setup

A spacious, well-planted aquarium with open central swimming space, moderate to strong water flow, and good oxygenation suits Lake Inle Danios perfectly — reflecting the clear, well-oxygenated conditions of their highland lake home. Dense planting along the sides and background provides security and structure, while leaving the central area open for the fast, active schooling behaviour these fish are known for. Dark substrate helps bring out the purple-gold iridescence of their stripes, and cool, clean water makes a noticeable difference to their colour intensity. Regular partial water changes are strongly recommended as these fish are sensitive to declining water quality.

A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential — Lake Inle Danios are exceptional jumpers and will clear an uncovered tank without warning.

Feeding Your Lake Inle Danios

Micropredators in the wild, feeding primarily on surface insects, invertebrates, and zooplankton. In the aquarium they readily accept high quality flake and floating micro pellet foods, and will enthusiastically take anything that hits the surface. Regular supplements of frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, and small insects will bring out their best colouration and keep them in top condition.

Lake Inle Danio Tank Mates

• Other peaceful active schooling fish such as danios, devarios, and rasboras
• Loaches and Garra species — natural Lake Inle companions in a biotope setup
• Peaceful gouramis, angelfish, and medium-sized community fish
• Corydoras and peaceful bottom dwellers
• Dwarf shrimp — use caution, as these are active micropredators
• Avoid very small, slow-moving, or delicately finned species that may be stressed or nipped by their active nature
• Avoid fish requiring soft, acidic water — Lake Inle Danios prefer harder, more alkaline conditions