Giant Danio

Geographic Origin and Biotope: West coast of India (Malabar) and Sri Lanka. Inhabits mountain water basins, well-oxygenated hill streams and waterfalls surrounded by lush forests.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Malabar Danio (Devario malabaricus). Often confused in shops with D. aequipinnatus (Giant Danio). Slightly smaller in size, slender but extremely strong body, apt to defy rapids.

Social Behavior: Indomitable swimmer. Totally schooling, it will dart around the aquarium all day. Creates strong hierarchies where the alpha male assumes the brightest colors. Must live in groups of 8-10 or more.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright turquoise-steel flanks decorated with 3 or 4 yellow horizontal stripes that break behind the gills. Golden spot before the dorsal. Females are swollen and pastel colored, males shiny and thin.

Aquarium Setup: Length is everything for it: min. 120 cm (48 inches). River layout: smooth river rocks on the bottom, resistant wood and, strictly, extra filters or pumps to guarantee a real aquatic stream.

Diet and Feeding: Primary instinct is to strike at the surface (insects). Accepts any food: from mysis to frozen bloodworms, flakes, live insects (crickets, waxworms) and quality granules. Has a very accelerated metabolism.

Water Quality: Requires strict maintenance; if nitrates or temperature (above 26-27°C / 79-81°F) rise, it wastes away quickly and gasps. Appreciates robust weekly changes with fresh water.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal with medium-large sized fish but with a solid temperament: Crossocheilus, large Barbs, Puntius denisonii (Red Lined Torpedo) and Loricariidae. Will stress small shy Characins or Cyprinids to death.

Aquarium Reproduction: Spectacular spawning at dawn. Males push females among the pebbles, fertilizing hundreds of free transparent eggs. Protect the bottom with marbles or grids if you intend to raise the young.

Risks and Diseases: Worst enemy is the open tank: it is a phenomenal jumper. Sensitive, like many cyprinids, to Columnaris in case of wounds or sudden drops in water quality.