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.
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.