
Giant danio
Devario malabaricus
Parameter dashboard
18-25 °C
6-8
8 cm
5 years
Care guide
Devario malabaricus is a large, active danio kept in aquariums. Older trade literature often used Devario aequipinnatus, a distinct species; check the identity of fish offered by a seller rather than treating the two names as synonyms.
The published adult maximum is 8 cm standard length, excluding the tail. Use a tank base of at least 120 by 45 cm with substantial open swimming space and a secure cover. Keep at least eight fish; a larger shoal is preferable where space allows. Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate movement, within 18-25 degrees C and pH 6.0-8.0.
Generally non-aggressive, this energetic shoaler can disturb timid or slow-moving companions during swimming and feeding. Choose robust tankmates of suitable size and research their requirements together. Offer varied prepared foods supplemented with small live or frozen foods. Monitor water quality and feeding rather than assuming hardiness guarantees a suitable community.
Sources
- seriouslyfish.com — https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/devario-malabaricus/
- seriouslyfish.com — https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/devario-aequipinnatus/
Further reading on identification and aquarium care.
Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (5)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf danio Danio nigrofasciatus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Emerald Dwarf Rasbora Danio erythromicron Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Galaxy rasbora Danio margaritatus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Glowlight Danio Danio choprae Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Gold Ring Danio Brachydanio tinwini Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
3 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue danio Brachydanio kerri Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Orange Fin Danio Danio kyathit Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Zebra danio Danio rerio Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.
Related species
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