Shan State Devario (Devario shanensis) Care Guide
Devario shanensis is a small cyprinid from the highland streams of Shan State, Myanmar, kept as a peaceful active schooler.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Devario shanensis is a small freshwater cyprinid described by Hora in 1928. According to FishBase it is known from the Myitnge watershed of the Irrawaddy in the northern Shan States of Myanmar, with its presence in the Salween basin recorded by some sources. It reaches a maximum total length of about 7 cm and is valued in the aquarium hobby as an active, midwater schooling fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Devario
- Scientific name: Devario shanensis
- Historical synonyms: Brachydanio shanensis, Danio shanensis
Habitat
FishBase describes the species as benthopelagic, occurring in rice fields, small ponds and pools in hill streams, as well as fast-flowing, clear streams over substrates of rocks, sand and pebbles. Seriously Fish notes a preference for fast-flowing, clear water with rocky, pebbly and sandy substrates, reflecting its highland stream origin.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (Seriously Fish recommends 8-10)
- Lifespan: about 3-5 years
Diet
Seriously Fish reports that in nature the species feeds chiefly on insects and their larvae. In the aquarium it accepts most prepared foods and benefits from regular meals of small live and frozen items such as chironomid (bloodworm) larvae. It is an omnivore and is best fed twice daily.
Compatibility
According to Seriously Fish this is a peaceful, fast-swimming species suited to a well-chosen community aquarium and is best kept in a group. It occupies the middle of the water column. As a cool-water tolerant fish, it pairs well with similarly tolerant tankmates such as temperate loaches, and aggressive species should be avoided.
Breeding
Seriously Fish describes the species as an egg-scattering free spawner that exhibits no parental care, with incubation typically lasting 24-36 hours. Females are normally deeper-bodied, less colourful and slightly larger than males, while reproductively active males intensify in colour.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 23 January 2010), indicating insufficient information to evaluate population trends or threats.
Shan State Devario (Devario shanensis) Breeding Guide
Overview
Devario shanensis is a danioin from the Duthawadi and Salween river systems in Shan State, northeastern Myanmar, where it inhabits fast-flowing, clear streams over rocky substrates. It reaches about 50-60 mm standard length and is an egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care.
Sexing
Females are deeper-bodied, less colourful and slightly larger than males. Nuptial males intensify in colour when reproductively active, which helps confirm a working pair.
Conditioning
Adults can be conditioned together on a varied diet in clean water; provide regular water changes to mimic the species' pristine flowing habitat before moving fish to spawn.
Breeding Setup
Use a separate, dimly lit spawning tank with a mesh or glass-marble base that lets eggs fall through, or alternatively fine-leaved plants or wool mops. Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral with the temperature toward the upper end of the range (around 24-26 C).
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As an egg-scattering free spawner, the species typically spawns within 24 hours of a conditioned pair being introduced, releasing eggs that fall into the substrate trap below.
Egg & Fry Care
Incubation lasts 24-36 hours, with fry free-swimming days later. Begin feeding with Paramecium, then introduce Artemia nauplii and microworm once the fry are large enough.
Common Challenges
Maintaining the clean, well-oxygenated water this species expects is important during the fry stage, alongside the usual measures of an egg-trap base and prompt removal of adults to prevent egg loss.