Giant Danio 4cm

SKU

10993

Price

$7.00incl GST

or 4 interest free payments of $1.75incl GST with

Availability

12 in stock

Quantity

Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus)

The Giant Danio is a vibrant, fast-swimming freshwater fish popular in the aquarium trade. It is larger than other danio species and thrives in well-oxygenated waters with plenty of space to swim.

General Information

  • Scientific Name: Devario aequipinnatus
  • Family: Cyprinidae (carp and minnows)
  • Common Names: Giant Danio
  • Native Range: South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar
  • Habitat: Fast-moving rivers, streams, and hill streams with clear, oxygen-rich water

Physical Characteristics

  • Size: Can grow up to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in length
  • Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years with proper care
  • Appearance:
    • Slender, elongated body
    • Iridescent blue and gold markings along the body
    • Forked tail and long, flowing fins

Behavior & Temperament

  • Highly active swimmers that require open space
  • Schooling fish – should be kept in groups of at least 5 or more to reduce stress
  • Generally peaceful, but their fast movements can stress smaller or slower-moving fish
  • Can sometimes be fin nippers, so avoid slow or long-finned tank mates

Diet & Feeding Habits

  • Diet Type: Omnivorous
  • Food in the Wild: Insects, zooplankton, algae, and small crustaceans
  • Food in Captivity:
    • High-quality flakes or pellets
    • Live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
    • Vegetable matter (blanched spinach, peas)

A varied diet enhances their coloration and overall health.

Aquarium Requirements

  • Tank Size: At least 30 gallons (larger for bigger schools)
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
    • pH: 6.5–7.5
    • Hardness: 5–15 dGH
  • Tank Setup:
    • Strong filtration with good water flow to mimic their natural habitat
    • Open swimming areas with some plants and driftwood for cover
    • Secure lid (they are known jumpers!)

Tank Mates & Compatibility

  • Best with similarly fast-moving and peaceful species, such as:
    • Other large danios or barbs
    • Rainbowfish
    • Gouramis (larger species like Pearl or Blue Gouramis)
    • Larger tetras (like Congo Tetras)
    • Loaches or catfish (Corydoras, Plecos)

Avoid slow-moving or delicate fish (e.g., bettas, fancy guppies) as Giant Danios may outcompete them for food or nip at their fins.

Breeding

  • Egg scatterers – they do not care for their eggs or fry
  • Requires a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop
  • Spawning is triggered by warmer temperatures and increased feeding
  • Eggs hatch within 24–36 hours, and fry should be fed infusoria or powdered fry food

Interesting Facts

  • One of the largest danios, growing significantly bigger than the common Zebra Danio (Danio rerio).
  • Known for their rapid movements and playful nature, making them an excellent choice for active community tanks.
  • Often used as dither fish to encourage shy species to come out of hiding.

 

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