Malabar Danio (Devario malabaricus)
| Malabar Danio Devario malabaricus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Malabar Danio |
| Name Lat. | Devario malabaricus |
| 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 | Simple |
| Life Span | 4-7 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8 cm |
| Temperature | 18-25 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3" |
| Temperature | 64-77 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Malabar danios is named after the Malabar District in Kerala (India). They are widely distributed in the west and south of India (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu) as well as in Sri Lanka. They live in the clear, oxygen-rich waters of shaded forest streams with pebbles and stones and overhanging riparian vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense 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 as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes)....
Behaviour and compatibility
They are swimming and lively fish, suitable only for a community tank with peaceful but robust fish. In too small groups they remain shy and are sometimes aggressive. At least 5, but preferably much more Malabar Danios should be kept together
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are slimmer and more intensely colored, while females are larger and more plump.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners and do not engage in brood care. The male swims around (drifts) the female, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after a few days.
Juveniles 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: petdata; 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