Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
4 inches
Temperature
72-81°F (22-27°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Giant Danio
The giant danio is the largest commonly kept danio species, reaching about 4 inches, from the clear, fast-flowing hill streams of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Its sleek, torpedo-shaped body is a shimmering blue-green with bright yellow horizontal stripes and iridescent scales. Giant danios are fast, energetic swimmers that create a spectacular display of movement in the upper water levels of the aquarium. They are schooling fish that swim in tight, coordinated groups, darting rapidly back and forth across the tank. Their combination of size, speed, color, and activity level makes them a dynamic centerpiece school for larger community aquariums. They are also commonly used as dither fish for shy cichlid species.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-81°F (22-27°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Danio
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Giant danios need a spacious tank of at least 40 gallons, preferably longer than taller, with strong filtration and moderate current to match their active swimming style. Keep them in schools of at least six for natural schooling behavior. They are hardy and adapt to temperatures from 72-81°F. A very secure lid is essential, as they are powerful jumpers. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Giant danios are peaceful but their fast, boisterous swimming can intimidate very small or timid species. They make excellent dither fish for medium cichlids, encouraging shy species to come out into the open. Their energetic nature makes them one of the most dynamic fish for larger community setups.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
10cm
Adult Size (4")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Giant Danio
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Danio albolineatus
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Leopard Danio
Danio rerio var.
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
Gold Ring Danio
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Tank Mates for Giant Danio
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
easy · 30+ gal
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Giant Danio need?
A Giant Danio needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Giant Danio need?
Giant Danio thrive in water between 72-81°F (22-27°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Giant Danio easy to care for?
Giant Danio are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Giant Danio get and what do they eat?
Giant Danio reach about 4 inches and are omnivores. Giant danios need a spacious tank of at least 40 gallons, preferably longer than taller, with strong filtration and moderate current to match their active swimming style. Keep them in schools of at least six for natural schooling behavior. They are hardy and adapt to temperatures from 72-81°F. A very secure lid is essential, as they are powerful jumpers. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Giant danios are peaceful but their fast, boisterous swimming can intimidate very small or timid species. They make excellent dither fish for medium cichlids, encouraging shy species to come out into the open. Their energetic nature makes them one of the most dynamic fish for larger community setups.