Giant Danio - Devario aequipinnatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) is a striking species of freshwater fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Native to the clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers of South Asia this species is distinguished by its vibrant coloration and dynamic swimming behavior. The Giant Danio can grow up to 4 inches in length, making it one of the larger members of the Danio genus. Renowned for its energetic disposition and hardiness, Devario aequipinnatus is a popular choice among aquarists seeking to add a touch of brilliance and activity to their community aquariums. Its adaptability to a range of water conditions and compatibility with a wide variety of tank mates further contribute to its appeal in the aquascaping community.
These charming creatures tend to thrive in groups of five or more and make a fantastic inclusion in a spacious community tank, particularly if other large fish species are present. Due to the considerable size of the Giant Danio, it is inadvisable to house them with smaller fish, which they may inadvertently intimidate or perceive as prey. The most suitable companions for Giant Danios are peaceful, medium to large-sized fish. Species that inhabit the bottom of the aquarium are particularly compatible, as they tend to remain clear of the Danios' swimming paths.
Prioritizing conspecifics to ensure a socially stable group of Giant Danios is essential before introducing other species. Compatible tank mates extend to other Danio varieties, Dwarf Cichlids, Barbs, Corydoras Catfish, and Loaches, all of which can coexist harmoniously with Giant Danios. Additionally, slow-moving invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and crabs, which dwell at the bottom of the tank, are unlikely to interfere with Giant Danios and thus are considered favorable companions.
To cater to their needs, a sizeable tank with ample swimming space is needed. An aquarium of at least 140 litres is recommended, with an additional emphasis on a minimum length of 36 inches to allow them to move around freely. These dynamic swimmers display a preference for water currents, and as such, providing adequate water flow within the aquarium can further enhance their swimming experience. It is highly recommended to employ a tight-fitting lid to secure the tank, as these fish have an affinity for jumping.
In terms of aesthetics, the Giant Danio is a true beauty, possessing a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with an iridescent blue hue that reflects a mesmerizing pale blue-green backdrop as it darts about with ease. The body is adorned with stunning gold spots and stripes that run lengthwise from the gills to the tail, while the fins are clear and grey and boast a rounded shape, with the tail fin being distinctively forked.
Giant Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Giant Danios can pose a challenge due to the subtle distinctions between the sexes. Generally, females exhibit a larger physical size, a more convex abdominal region, more fragmented golden stripes, a less vibrant colouration, and a relatively less prominent lower jaw when compared to their male counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Devario aequipinnatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1839 |
| Other Names | Golden Giant Danio |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Devario |
| Origins | Pakistan , Nepal , Bangladesh , Myanmar , Cambodia , Thailand |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 7 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 19 |
| ℉ | 71 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Giant Danio is native to a broad swath of the Indian subcontinent and significant portions of Indochina. Its habitat spans from the mountainous terrains of Nepal and the dynamic ecosystems of Pakistan to the dense forests of Myanmar and the distinctive landscapes of Cambodia and northern Thailand. In these regions, the Giant Danio is typically found in swiftly flowing streams and ponds.
A distinguishing characteristic of the Giant Danio’s habitat is its predilection for shaded areas with clear water, resting atop gravelly or sandy beds. This preference for specific environmental conditions underscores the species' remarkable adaptability and resilience, enabling it to flourish across diverse and sometimes challenging habitats by adeptly adjusting to fluctuating environmental factors.
Breeding
Giant Danios present a high level of convenience in terms of their breeding, and the juvenile offspring are relatively easy to rear. To initiate breeding, it is advisable to employ a spacious tank that is exposed to natural daylight, which can serve as a spawning trigger. It is imperative to maintain warm water conditions with a low pH level and to provide fine-leaved vegetation such as java moss or, alternatively, a spawning mop.
Conditioning of the breeder pair should involve live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. During the breeding phase, each pairing can produce up to 20 eggs, with spawning activities persisting until all the eggs are evenly distributed across the vegetation. The removal of the breeding pair is crucial immediately after egg-laying, as they may consume the eggs and fry. The eggs will typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours, while the fry becomes free-swimming roughly 48 hours after hatching. Infusoria or powdered food should be provided as feed for the fry until they attain adequate size to accept freshly hatched brine shrimp.
Diet & Feeding
Giant Danios demonstrate considerable adaptability in their dietary habits, willingly accepting a wide spectrum of food types including flakes, granules, freeze-dried, frozen, and live options. Incorporating live foods like mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, and daphnia not only caters to their nutritional needs but also plays a critical role in augmenting their vivid coloration. Should live food not be readily available, frozen alternatives provide an adequate substitution. Adding vegetable flakes to their diet further ensures a well-rounded and nutritionally complete regimen, supporting their overall health and vitality.
