EXPERTS at Bolton Aquarium have become the first in the world to breed the smallest tropical freshwater fish in captivity.

Tiny danionella translucida, which are just 12mm or 0.47 inches long, are bred from fish which had been brought to the aquarium to be studied by scientists.

The tiny fish are currently housed in the research area, but could soon go on public display.

The danionella translucida originate from Myanmar, formerly Burma in Asia, and are difficult to study because of their size.

Two aquarists spotted the new fish glinting in the light as they prepared to close one night. Several more hatched over the following days.

They will be moved to public display when staff are confident they are breeding regularly.

Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, Bolton Council's executive member for culture and community cohesion, said: "Not only is the aquarium a fascinating place to visit, with lots of wonderful creatures, but staff there also perform important research and conservation work that can help the survival of a number of endangered species.

"The breeding of these tiny fish is proof of the success of that work and a real coup for Bolton."