The Giant Danio is a robust, incredibly active schooling fish native to fast-flowing streams in South Asia. Known for their striking blue and gold horizontal stripes, they are constantly in motion and require long tanks with strong water flow. Due to their boisterous nature, they make excellent 'dither fish' for mild-mannered cichlids but should not be kept with slow, shy, or long-finned species as they will easily outcompete them for food.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type Giant Danio. Must be kept in a school of at least 6 to prevent stress and nervous behavior. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Blue and Gold
Albino / Golden
A commercially bred color morph lacking dark pigmentation, displaying a yellow/golden body with white or pinkish stripes. Care is identical to the standard form.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Albino Giant Danio, Golden Danio
Top Tank Mates
Panda Garra
Garra flavatra
🟢Ideal Tank MatesRoyal Pleco (L190)
Panaque nigrolineatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPeppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cirrhosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMotoro Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGiant Danio Care Guide Summary
The Giant Danio, scientifically known as Devario aequipinnatus, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Giant Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
With modest requirements and a forgiving temperament, the Giant Danio is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino / Golden. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Giant Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Giant Danio, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Giant Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Giant Danio is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Giant Danio.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Danio
How big does Giant Danio get?
Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Giant Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Giant Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Giant Danio need?
Giant Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Giant Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Giant Danio is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Giant Danio should be kept together?
Giant Danio is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Giant Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Giant Danio is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
Red Rainbowfish
Glossolepis incisus
Native to Lake Sentani in Indonesia, this species is famous for the brilliant salmon-red coloration of mature males. They are large, active schooling fish that develop a distinct high-arched back as they age. Females are vastly different in appearance (olive-gold). They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of swimming space.
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
An active, schooling fish native to the karst (limestone) streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for their striking neon blue lateral stripes and yellowish fins. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are highly sensitive to soft, acidic conditions. A peaceful species that requires plenty of open swimming space.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
A hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish famous for its ability to thrive in unheated, sub-tropical aquariums. Native to the mountain streams of China, they feature a bronze body with a striking neon-like lateral stripe and red-tipped fins. They are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.