🐟 Giant Danio — (Devario aequipinnatus)
The Giant Danio is the largest member of the danio family and a hardy, active schooling fish that adds constant movement and shimmering color to any aquarium. With its iridescent blue and gold horizontal stripes, it’s both eye-catching and durable, making it a long-time favorite among aquarists.
Native to fast-flowing streams and rivers across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Giant Danios thrive in oxygen-rich, well-circulated water. They are strong swimmers and do best in long aquariums where they can dart about in a group.
🌊 Tank Setup
- 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons — bigger is better for active schools.
- 💨 Provide strong filtration and water movement to mimic river currents.
- 🌿 Decorate with driftwood, smooth rocks, and hardy plants along the edges to leave open swimming space.
- 💡 Bright lighting will enhance their metallic colors.
🍽️ Diet
- 🍽️ Omnivores — accept flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods.
- 🦐 Will eagerly eat brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and small insects.
- 🐟 Variety is key for optimal health and coloration.
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⚖️ Temperament
- 🤝 Peaceful but very active — best with other fast-moving or similar-sized species.
- 🐟 Great dither fish for larger semi-aggressive cichlids, as they encourage shy tankmates to come out.
- 👥 Must be kept in groups of 6 or more for natural schooling behavior.
🧠 Behavior & Care
- 🏃 Require swimming space more than hiding spots.
- 🚫 Not suited for slow-moving or long-finned tankmates, which they may outcompete for food.
- 🧼 Adaptable and hardy, making them ideal for both community and river-style aquariums.
📋 At a glance
🔖 Scientific Name | Devario aequipinnatus |
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🐟 Common Name | Giant Danio |
🌎 Origin | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
📏 Size | Up to 4–6" (10–15 cm) |
🌡️ Temperature | 72–78°F (22–26°C) |
💧 pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
🐟 Temperament | Peaceful, active |
🏠 Tank Size | 55+ gallons |
🍽️ Diet | Omnivore |
🎯 Experience | Beginner–Intermediate |
💡 Giant Danios are energetic, colorful, and virtually bulletproof. When kept in a large, fast-flowing tank with a healthy school, they’ll reward you with years of vibrant activity and dazzling flashes of blue and gold.