Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus)
| Giant Danio Devario aequipinnatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Giant Danio |
| Name Lat. | Devario aequipinnatus |
| Synonym | Danio malabaricus |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | South Asia |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-9 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12-15 cm |
| Temperature | 22-25 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 5"-6" |
| Temperature | 72-77 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the Malabar danios extends from northeastern India through Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar to northern Thailand, where they occur in the hilly country up to 300 m above sea level. They live mainly in moderately flowing, shady forest streams with a substrate of pebbles and stones.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer a lot of swimming space. A coarse, round gravel as substrate, slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a moderate current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live food, such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and red mosquito larvae, which are also easily accepted frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality, protein-rich dry food (granules, flakes, pellets).
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are swimming and lively fish, well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish. In too small groups they remain shy and are aggressive within species. At least 5, but preferably much more Malabar danios should be kept together
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are much more slender and the central blue stripe runs straight across the caudal fin. The females have a rounded belly and the stripe bends upward at the base of the caudal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners and spawn predators. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns up to 300 eggs among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after a few days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The tank should be well covered, as they like to jump.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Sabina Lamboj; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF