Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Also called Striped devario, Danio aequipinnatus, Golden giant danio (partly albino form)
From South Asia: hill streams of northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal per a 2017 taxonomic revision; older and broader accounts give a range from Pakistan and India to Indochina123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongated, torpedo-shaped cyprinid with a deeply forked tail
A large, streamlined danio with a blue and yellow sheen. Three straight dark blue stripes run along each side, the middle one the widest, separated by pale yellowish lines. Fins are greyish to clear. Females are larger and rounder in the belly, males slimmer and brighter.132
Personality what they are like
Peaceful but busy. Its constant motion can unsettle slow or timid fish, so it is best with lively companions of similar size. Males sort out a pecking order among themselves.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active and fond of current. It needs a long tank with plenty of open swimming space and a secure lid, as it jumps well.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Straightforward care: clean, well oxygenated water, good flow, a long tank and a lid without gaps.1
Home where they are happiest
About 16 to 26 C, pH roughly 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness 2 to 15 dGH. A base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres). Gravel and rocks with some plants around the edges match its clear hill streams.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly eats insects in the wild, plus worms, crustaceans and some plant matter. Give quality dry foods with live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.12
Company who they like around
A schooling fish best kept in a group of at least 8 to 10. Suits robust community fish and is often used as a dither fish with cichlids.13
The story where it all began
Described by McClelland in 1839. The species name means equal finned, referring to its matching dorsal and anal fins. The name was long applied to several similar striped Devario fish, and a 2017 study narrowed down which fish it truly covers. Many giant danios in the trade may belong to related species such as Devario malabaricus.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
At up to about 15 cm long it is one of the largest danios kept in aquariums.2
- 2
Its species name aequipinnatus means equal finned, after its similar sized dorsal and anal fins.1
- 3
Cichlid keepers often add it as a dither fish to help shy fish come out into the open.3
- 4
It can be spawned in the aquarium by raising the temperature and imitating rainfall.1
- 5
It spawns many times, laying a few eggs at a time and over a thousand in total.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed January 2010)2
- FishBase
- Popular in the commercial aquarium trade2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Giant Danio. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Giant Danio?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their active nature and helps keep water clean. Furry Diary plan
What does a Giant Danio eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat quality dry foods plus live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Avoid any food that is too large or not meant for fish, and never feed them human food or anything with additives.12
How much space does a Giant Danio need?
They need a long tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm, about 240 litres, for a group. A secure lid is essential as they jump well.12
What temperature, light or water does a Giant Danio need?
Water should be 16 to 26°C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 15 dGH. They like good flow and clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate lighting.12
How often should I clean a Giant Danio's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always test water weekly. Furry Diary plan
Can a Giant Danio live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and busy, best kept in a school of 8 to 10. They suit robust community fish and are often used as dither fish with cichlids.13
How long does a Giant Danio live?
They typically live 5 to 7 years with good care.3
Can I handle a Giant Danio?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage their slime coat. Always use a net or container for moving them.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Devario aequipinnatus, Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, habitat, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, colours, history, fun facts
- Devario aequipinnatus, FishBase fishbase.seused for max length, IUCN status, distribution, habitat, diet, spawning
- Giant danio, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, size, colours, golden form, dither use
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.