Giant Danio

General information

These fish are gold with blue spots and stripes, in females these stripes bend upwards while in males they are straight. Nevertheless, there are plenty of color variations and an albino variety. They are usually 4 inches. To keep this species in captivity, water pH should be between 6.8 and 7.5 while water temperature should range from 72ºF and 75ºF. The tank should have a sandy substrate, open areas for swimming, plants and driftwood. Giant Danios are jumpers so the tank should have a cover, they are also very active so the tank should be at least 36 inches long. They can be kept in a community aquarium, however, smaller fish and slow moving fish aren’t suitable tankmates. They should be kept in groups of at least 6.

This species is omnivorous. It can be fed with dried, live and frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

Males are more brightly colored than females and have a straight stripe while the female’s stripe bends upwards. Females are larger and rounder than males.

To breed this species in captivity, the tank should be exposed to the sun because sunlight induces spawning. The water temperature should be between 77ºF and 82ºF. Once the eggs are fertilized the adults need to be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs take 1 to 2 days to hatch. This species pairs for life.

This species can be found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.