Malabar Danio (Devario malabaricus) Care Guide
Devario malabaricus is a large, active schooling cyprinid from peninsular India and Sri Lanka, needing a long tank with swimming room.
Overview
Devario malabaricus is a large, active danioin cyprinid, formerly placed in the genus Danio (the name Devario was adopted in 2003). It reaches about 70-80 mm standard length and is an enthusiastic schooling fish that needs ample swimming space.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Devario (formerly Danio)
- Scientific name: Devario malabaricus
Habitat
It ranges through the Indian peninsula and Sri Lanka, possibly confined to western-flowing drainages of India and potentially to Kerala. It inhabits hill streams and upper river reaches with clear, well-oxygenated water and rocky substrates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (8-10 recommended)
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
A long aquarium with a tight-fitting cover is important, as all Devario species are accomplished jumpers. Strong filtration providing several turnovers per hour suits the flowing-water origins of this active fish.
Diet
In nature it preys on insects and their larvae. In the aquarium it is far from selective, taking dried staples supplemented with bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
It is not aggressive but is highly active and may disturb timid tankmates, so it is best kept in a group of at least 8-10 with robust companions of similar size; very small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
It is an egg-scattering spawner with no parental care. Eggs hatch in roughly 24-36 hours and the fry become free-swimming within days.