Geographic History. Therefore, space is a significant factor to consider. Personally, I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than a large school of a single species of Danio in a well planted tank. Dey S., Ramanujam S. N., Mahapatra B. K., 2014. Most of other danios are only about 1 to 2 inches in length. It brings constant swimming action to a community tank and should be kept in schools of at least 3 to 5 fish. Aptly named the giant danio, this deep-bodied species can reach four inches in length and even larger in its natural habitat. They occur in schools at the surface in small high-gradient upland streams (Ref. As surface dwellers, their diets consist predominantly of exogenous insects, but is also supplemented by worms and crustaceans. The adult species in large number can be encountered in puddles appeared during dry season and in flooded rice fields, where the fish feeds and spawns. This large Danio comes from clear streams and rivers in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the west coast of India. [2] Giant danios are shoaling fish, meaning they are found in social groups. Giant Danio. Size/Length: To 4.8" (12 cm) Similar species: Bengal Danio (D. devario), Queen Danio (D. regina) Habitat: Inhabits still and slow-moving rivers on the western coasts of Sri Lanka and India. All of these fishes have small mouths and wouldn't bother your shrimp. If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out: Check out additional fish species profiles for more information on other freshwater fish. Although a 55-gallon tank is the recommended minimum size, it is possible to keep them in a 30- or 40-gallon tank if it is the long, horizontal variety. Thanks, Greenville Guy . Difficulty: Moderate. 7020). Originating in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the west coast of India, this species grows to a maximum length of 4 inches (10 cm), making it one of the largest of the danionins. Devario affinis, Devario browni, Devario malabaricus, and Devario strigillifer were originally deemed synonyms, but are now valid species. After the rain season … With a size twice as big as the zebrafish, as early as 4 weeks, the adult giant danio may be more amenable to surgical interventions and physiological studies. A schooling species, these large fish should always be kept in a sizeable group. The body is iridescent gold with steel-blue-colored spots and stripes running lengthwise from the gills to the tail. Danio kyathit – There is a Spotted variety & a Striped variety. About 85 percent of all Indian exports of giant danios are wild-caught, but in the wild, the population is seen to be stable, by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species). To mimic their natural hill stream environment, use river gravel or sand, minimal driftwood, and sturdy plants, such as anubias, only along the periphery of the tank; leave the tank mostly open, with large, long areas for swimming. The Giant Danio is also a very attractive fish with captivating blue coloration. The giant danio is a great addition to a large freshwater tank, especially if you're already raising larger fish such as cichlids. They can reach a length of almost 6 inches (15 cm) in the wild, though they usually only reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in the aquarium. [2] Their range runs from Pakistan to Cambodia. At an adult size of 1.6 - 1.8 inches (4 - 4.5 cm), this peaceful schooling fish is an excellent addition to the well-decorated community aquarium. The Giant Danio can grow up to twice the size of the Dwarf Spotted Danio which is 4 inches long. Males are also noticeably slimmer than their female counterparts. To bring out the best coloration, offer live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. Giant Danios are very opportunistic feeders and will eat anything they can catch, including small shrimp. Breeding and development of ornamental hill stream fish, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T166459A6213782.en, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_danio&oldid=937980603, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Dey S., Ramanujam S.N., Mahapatra B.K., 2014. Such as Pearl Danio and Zebras, etc. However, if you have a big enough tank with good filtration it's not that much. Minimum Tank Size. These little giants make excellent additions to cichlid tanks, as long as the cichlid species you have are not overly aggressive. They feed mainly on exogenous insects (Ref. Giant Danio, Malabar Danio Age of Aquariums > Freshwater Fish > Giant Danio - Danio malabaricus. Eggs hatch in 24 to 36 hours and the fry become free-swimming approximately 48 hours later. [3] Juveniles begin to resemble their adult form after 65 days of development. Danio is originally from many areas of South Asia. The Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) is a very active, colorful species that is native to India, Nepal, and Indochina. Years ago most hobbyists called any giant danio Danio Size: 5 cm TL (about 6 inches Preferred Water Chemistry: Tropical freshwater, but does best at the lower range of tropical temperatures—22° to 25°C (72° to 77°F). Remove the breeding pair once the eggs are laid, as the parents will consume the eggs and fry. Common Name: Giant danio, golden giant danio. In the wild, giant danios live in clear streams and rivers among hills at elevations up to 1000 ft (300 m) above sea level. Feed the fry commercially prepared fine fry foods or freshly hatched brine shrimp. The rule of thumb is not to combine small fish with any fish large enough to swallow them. Giant danios appreciate water movement to simulate the motion of the rivers and fast-moving streams of their origins, and prefer to school. [3] In captivity, breeding is induced by increasing water temperature and creating artificial rain. A so-called "golden giant danio", sometimes seen, is in reality a partial albino fish. The most famous of all the danios is the Zebra Danio, which is bred in huge numbers both for the aquarium trade and for genetic research. Occupies top strata (pelagic.) At an adult size of around 3 inches (7 - 8 cm), this peaceful schooling fish is an excellent addition to the well-decorated community aquarium and a true giant species for a danio. Enjoys live and frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex and high-quality flake food. Giants can reach up to 4-inches in adulthood so your goldfish won’t be able to eat them, and these schooling fish are fast swimmers too. About 85% of Indian exports of giant danios are wild caught.[3]. Leaving aside the tank size, White Mountain Minnows and Danios are, in my understanding, from the same Cyprinidae family and cold-water fish. Smaller numbers often result in aggressive behavior toward other fish and even toward one another. All of these fish, however, would dine on any shrimp eggs or fry they find. Hardy and compatible with the majority of freshwater fish. The place where the fish dwells to a large extent depends on the season. Compatibility: All Danio species are very peaceful and very active. 72-75° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0. In females, the stripes bend upward at the base of the tail, while in males the stripe runs straight, extending through the tail. The giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus) is a tropical fish belonging to the minnow family Cyprinidae. Get six to eight 2 inch fishes and a school of 8 or so giant danios or … If you’re looking for a minnow you can keep with goldfish, the Giant Danio is one of the best options! Giant danios are also used as dither fish in South and Central American cichlid aquariums. Description. Zebra danio inhabits in rivers, channels, ponds, rivers. Photos & Comments; Photo Credit: Daniel Silva. Zebra Danio Size.