Giant Danio
Devario malabaricus
Synonyms Devario aequipinnatus
Giant Danio (Devario malabaricus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims near the surface in a shoal. It wants 64–77°F (18–25°C) and pH 6–8, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Minimum tank | 243 L (64 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 64–77°F (18–25°C) |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
Before it goes in
- Giant Danio needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Axolotl, Oscar and Clown Loach: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–77°F (18–25°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 42% of what a 120P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
What water does it want?
64–77°F (18–25°C), pH 6–8.
How long does it live?
5–7 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Giant Danio | Zebra Danio | Celestial Pearl Danio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 8 cm | 5 cm | 2.5 cm |
| Min tank | 243 L | 60 L | 40 L |
| Group | 8+ | 6+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 64–77°F (18–25°C) | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- Jumping, Temperament, Group sizeseriouslyfish.com
- Temperaturefishbase.se
- en.wikipedia.org
- fishlaboratory.com