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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Striped devario

Devario aequipinnatus

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The striped devario (Devario aequipinnatus) is a large, fast shoaling fish from hill streams in northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal. It reaches about 7.5 cm standard length and Seriously Fish recommends an aquarium around 120 cm long and 243 litres. It is peaceful but, due to its size and activity, unsuitable for small or quiet nano tanks. Keep at least eight to ten, provide extensive swimming space and secure the lid tightly. Check identity when buying: the trade name “giant danio” is often used for another Devario.

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At a glance

Temperature
16–26 °C
pH
6.0–8.0
GH
2–15 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 120 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 243 L
Adult size
Up to 7.5 cm
Group size
At least 8–10 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

The accepted name is Devario aequipinnatus (McClelland, 1839). Historical combinations include Perilampus aequipinnatus and Danio aequipinnatus. Seriously Fish reports 75 mm standard length; FishBase gives 15 cm total length. These are different measurement conventions and should not be presented as the same size. The fish has three straight dark stripes on each side, the middle stripe being widest. The name was historically applied broadly to striped Devario, so verify identity rather than relying on a trade label.

Natural habitat

The species is known from hill streams in northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Small fast-flowing streams have been reported in Bangladesh; a high-elevation Meghalaya site had clear water, gravel and cobbles with marginal vegetation. Flow, volume and turbidity vary seasonally. This supports oxygenated water and space, but aquarium flow need not be a hard torrent.

Aquarium and layout

For long-term care Seriously Fish recommends a base of 120 × 45 cm and about 243 litres. A shoal of large, fast fish needs a long open swimming zone; volume alone does not replace that space. Use rocks, sand or gravel and wood, with hardy plants such as Microsorum attached to décor along the margins. Good oxygenation and moderate movement suit the species. Perform substantial weekly water changes and secure the lid very well: Devario are powerful jumpers.

Water conditions

The published range is 16–26°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and GH 2–15 dGH. Stable, clean, oxygen-rich water is important. Natural habitats vary seasonally, but this does not make rapid aquarium fluctuations safe. Prevent organic waste from accumulating through appropriate filter maintenance and regular water changes. Adjust conditions gradually if the source water differs substantially.

Behaviour and group size

This devario is peaceful but very active and large compared with many community fish. Keep a shoal of at least eight to ten and combine it only with robust fish of similar size and activity. Small tankmates may be eaten or continually stressed. Consider adult size, swimming zone, feeding competition and available length before choosing companions. A group in a tank that is too small cannot be compensated for by adding filter capacity alone.

Feeding

Wild gut examinations found mostly insects with some plant material. Use a complete dry food as the aquarium staple. Regularly supplement with small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm. Adjust portions to adult size and shoal size. Feed where all fish can reach it and avoid leftovers that burden water quality.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding is uncommon. A paper on fish identified as this species describes spawning after raising temperature and simulating rainfall, but this is not a guaranteed recipe for every population. Eggs of egg-scattering cyprinids generally need protection from adults. Attempt controlled breeding only when identity, broodstock and rearing space are secure; exact yields or parameters are not established here.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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