Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) – Vibrant & Hardy Freshwater Fish
Scientific Name: Devario aequipinnatus
Common Name: Giant Danio
Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
Temperature: 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C)
pH: 6.5 - 7.5 (neutral)
Hardness: 5-15 dGH (moderately soft to hard)
Diet: Omnivore
Overview:
The Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) is a peaceful and colorful freshwater fish, perfect for a community aquarium. Known for its active swimming behavior and striking blue and silver coloration, the Giant Danio is a beautiful addition to any tank. This species grows larger than its smaller cousins (like the Zebra Danio), reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length, making it a prominent yet peaceful member of your aquatic community.
Key Features:
- Stunning Coloration: The Giant Danio showcases a beautiful mix of blue and silver hues, with horizontal blue stripes running across its body, making it a stunning display in aquariums.
- Active and Hardy: Known for being hardy and adaptable, the Giant Danio is perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarists. It thrives in a variety of water conditions and is easy to care for.
- Peaceful Nature: This fish is highly social and does well in schools of 5 or more. It’s peaceful and can cohabitate with other community fish, including Tetras, Rasboras, Gouramis, and peaceful Cichlids.
- Ideal for Community Tanks: With its friendly and calm temperament, the Giant Danio does well in community tanks and is a great addition to mixed-species setups.
- Active Swimmer: As a naturally active fish, the Giant Danio enjoys swimming in the mid-to-top sections of the tank, adding life and movement to your aquarium.
Care Tips:
- Tank Setup: The Giant Danio requires a tank of at least 20 gallons to swim freely. A well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas is ideal.
- Water Conditions: Keep water temperature between 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C) and maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5 to 7.5). They thrive in moderately hard water (5-15 dGH).
- Diet: The Giant Danio is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods. Offer high-quality flaked food, sinking pellets, live, or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia for a balanced diet.
Tank Mates:
- Tetras (Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
- Corydoras Catfish
- Rasboras
- Peaceful Cichlids (e.g., Angelfish)
- Gouramis
- Snails and Shrimp
Avoid housing them with large, aggressive fish or those that may nip at their fins.
Why Choose Giant Danio:
- Vibrant Appearance: Adds color and movement to any aquarium.
- Hardy and Low-Maintenance: Perfect for beginners or experienced hobbyists.
- Social & Peaceful: Ideal for community setups and will thrive in schools.
One of the larger fish in the Danio family, they can reach 4-6". Coming from highland clear streams they appreciate flowing clear water with a strict water change schedule. The rivers they occur in have a pH from 6-8 and a temp of 72-81 yearly. The streams have rocky pebbles where they feed on insects on the surface of the water and small crustaceans. They will accept quality dried and frozen foods.
