Giant Danio | Danio aequipinnatus

Cyprinds / Danios / Giant Danio

Profile: Giant Danio
Danio aequipinnatus Synonyms: Danio alburnus, D. aurolineatus, D. malabaricus, Perilampus aurolineatus, P. malabaricus
Physical description: An elongated fish with one pair of barbels. The body is laterally compressed and the mouth is up-turned. The back is gray-yellow to gray-green while the flanks are bluish-green. This area is marked with various yellow spots and stripes. The outer parts of the fins are transparent, while their may have a green or pink tinge.
Size/Length: To 4.8" (12 cm)
Similar species: Bengal Danio ( D. devario ), Queen Danio ( D. regina )
Habitat: Inhabits still and slow-moving rivers on the western coasts of Sri Lanka and India.
S: All
Aquarium: A school can be kept in a tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L), although they would prefer a longer tank (48"). Leave open swimming areas and plant the corners with robust plants. Use a tight-fitting cover.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8 (7.0), 2-20 dH (8), 70-75°F (21-24°C)
Social behavior: An active, schooling fish that should only be combined with species that can tolerate its activity. Pairs form bonds, although they are not as strong as those of Brachydanio species.
Suggested companions: Loaches, Epalzeorhynchus , Loricarids, Armored Catfish ( Corydoras ), Danios, Gouramis, Acaras, Eartheaters, larger barbs.
FOOD: Flakes; live; insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, insects.
Sexual differences: Males are smaller, slimmer, and more colorful.
Breeding techniques: Use water with a temperature from 77-82°F (25-28°C). Add the female a day prior to adding the male. Spawning is initiated by the morning sun,. 10-20 eggs are laid at each pairing until 300-1000 eggs have been scattered among plants. Throughout the spawning the parents should be fed with whiteworms so they do not consume their spawn. The young hatch in two days and are free-swimming five to seven days later. Start feeding with powdered dry foods and small live foods.
Breeding potential: 5. The Giant Danio is easy to breed in a large breeding tank.
Remarks: A few color varieties are known. Fish are mature from 2.8" (7 cm) in length.
Difficulty of care: 2. A robust species.