The Tiger Danio is a striking, fast-swimming schooling fish endemic to the clear, fast-flowing headwaters of northern Thailand. Known for their bold vertical barring and highly energetic nature, they require specialized 'hillstream' setups with pristine, highly oxygenated water and strong flow. Due to their intense activity levels, they should not be kept with slow-moving or shy tank mates.
Tiger Danio At a Glance
Tiger Danio Tank Requirements
Will Tiger Danio fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Tiger Danio needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Tiger Danio against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Tiger Danio Water Parameters
Tiger Danio Temperament & Compatibility
Tiger Danio Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typical commercial availability. Usually sold as unsexed juveniles. Must be kept in a group of at least 6 (preferably 8-10+) to disperse natural boisterous behavior and prevent them from harassing other species.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Males are slightly slimmer and exhibit more intense copper/gold and blue coloration. They will frequently spar with other males, which is harmless as long as the school is large enough.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Tiger Danio
Female
Females are slightly larger, notably deeper-bodied, and appear plump when carrying eggs. Their colors are generally slightly more subdued than the males.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Tiger Danio
Tiger Danio Care Guide Summary
The Tiger Danio, scientifically known as Devario maetaengensis, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Tiger Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Tiger Danio is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. 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.
Tiger Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Tiger 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. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Tiger Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Tiger 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, 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.
Who Tiger Danio Is Actually For
Tiger Danio is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially smooth gravel.
The most common mistake is buying Tiger Danio for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Tiger Danio Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Tiger Danio.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Danio
How big does Tiger Danio get?
Tiger Danio (Devario maetaengensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Tiger Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Tiger Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Tiger Danio need?
Tiger Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Tiger Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Tiger Danio is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Tiger Danio should be kept together?
Tiger 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 Tiger Danio have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Tiger Danio benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Tiger Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Tiger 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Tiger Danio
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Tiger Danio based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesShovelnose Sturgeon
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Tiger Danio
These plants pair well with Tiger Danio based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Tiger Danio
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
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.
Glowlight Danio
Danio choprae
A strikingly colorful and hyperactive nano fish native to the Irrawaddy River drainage in Myanmar. Named for its glowing orange/red horizontal bands and vertical barring. Despite their small size, they are incredibly fast, dynamic swimmers that require a long aquarium with ample swimming space. They must be kept in large schools and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
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.
Rose Danio
Danio roseus
A lively and colorful schooling fish from Southeast Asia. Rose Danios are characterized by their pinkish-purple iridescence, which becomes especially vibrant in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting. Like all Danios, they are incredibly active swimmers and prolific jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid and a horizontally long tank to accommodate their energetic nature.
Tiger Pleco (L002)
Panaqolus sp. L002
The L002 Tiger Pleco is a striking dwarf species of wood-eating catfish (Panaqolus). Characterized by high-contrast yellow and dark brown banded patterns, it is an excellent bottom dweller for smaller aquariums. As a xylophagous (wood-eating) species, it absolutely requires natural driftwood in the aquarium for grazing, digestion, and shelter.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
A highly active, schooling cyprinid native to the clear, flowing streams of Southeast Asia. Known for their iridescent, pearlescent bodies that shimmer under aquarium lighting with hints of blue, pink, and orange. They are very hardy but require significant horizontal swimming space and a tight-fitting lid due to their notorious jumping ability.