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Giant danio

Giant danio

Devario malabaricus

Danionidae
Moderate

Parameter dashboard

Temperature

18-25 °C

pH

6-8

Size

8 cm

Lifespan estimate

5 years

Min tank243 L
Price$$$
DietOmnivore
TemperamentPeaceful
Social behaviourSchooling
Recommended group8 fish
OriginIndian peninsula; precise range remains uncertain
Shrimp-safeNo

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

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.

SpeciesNotes
Dwarf danio

Danio nigrofasciatus

Caution

Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates

Open pair in Compare →
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Danio erythromicron

Caution

Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates

Open pair in Compare →
Galaxy rasbora

Danio margaritatus

Caution

Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates

Open pair in Compare →
Glowlight Danio

Danio choprae

Caution

Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates

Open pair in Compare →
Gold Ring Danio

Brachydanio tinwini

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.
SpeciesNotes
Blue danio

Brachydanio kerri

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Orange Fin Danio

Danio kyathit

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Zebra danio

Danio rerio

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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