Malabar Danio

The Malabar danio is a large species from the Western Ghats of southwestern India and from Sri Lanka. Golden-yellow stripes run along its blue-green body; a few short vertical bars can be seen behind the gill cover. In the aquarium it usually reaches 10–12 cm. It looks almost identical to the giant danio, and the two species are often confused in the trade; their care is also largely the same.

• At least 250 liters and 120 cm in length for a school of 6–8.
• 22–25°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Strong current and high oxygen; a layout with an open middle and top and sturdy plants along the sides.
• An excellent jumper; a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Omnivorous with a big appetite. Use flakes and granules as the staple; vary the diet with mosquito larvae, bloodworms, mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. It eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth.

Peaceful but very fast and boisterous. As a school it constantly patrols the upper layer; when kept in small numbers, dominant individuals chase the others.

Good companions: giant danios, large barbs, rainbowfish, loaches, plecos, not-too-aggressive medium-sized cichlids.

Avoid: small fish such as neons and Boraras, dwarf shrimp, bettas and long-finned species, slow and shy fish.