Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 475 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Blue Dolphin (Hap)

Cyrtocara moorii

Giant Danio

Devario aequipinnatus

🐠Family Group
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Cichlids - African
Giant Danio
Cyprinids
Temperament
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Giant Danio
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
24–28°C
Giant Danio
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
7.5–8.6
Giant Danio
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
10–25
Giant Danio
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Freshwater Only
Giant Danio
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Moderate
Giant Danio
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 475 L
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
475 L
Giant Danio
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
MiddleBottom
Giant Danio
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Giant Danio
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Blue Dolphin (Hap)
Giant Danio
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Giant Danio is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Blue Dolphin (Hap) may occasionally assert dominance over Giant Danio.

Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Giant Danio is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 475 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio need?

A minimum of 475 litres (tank length at least 150 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Blue Dolphin (Hap) or Giant Danio aggressive?

Blue Dolphin (Hap) is moderately assertive (5/10) and Giant Danio is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Blue Dolphin (Hap) and Giant Danio need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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