Giant Danio

The Giant Danio is a robust, active schooling fish that brings energy and movement to larger community tanks. Native to the fast-flowing streams of India and Sri Lanka, these fish are built for speed with streamlined bodies and powerful swimming abilities. Their shimmering silver-blue bodies with golden stripes make them attractive additions to aquariums sized 30 gallons or larger. Giant Danios are excellent dither fish for nervous species and can even be kept with some larger semi-aggressive fish due to their speed and size.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Giant Danios need space to swim and moderate to strong water flow that mimics their natural stream habitat. A 30-gallon tank is the minimum, but 55+ gallons is recommended for their active nature and schooling requirements.

Essential Setup:

• Strong filtration for water flow
• Open swimming space in center
• Some plants for security
• Secure lid (they are jumpers)
• Temperature 72-78°F

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

These fish appreciate well-oxygenated water and some current. Regular 25% weekly water changes maintain water quality.

Feeding

Giant Danios are omnivores with hearty appetites:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
• Live foods: fruit flies, small worms
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily. They are active swimmers and need regular feeding to maintain energy.

Behavior & Compatibility

Giant Danios are peaceful but boisterous. They do best with:

• Schooling fish: Rosy Barbs, Rainbowfish, larger Tetras
• Medium community fish: Gouramis, Angelfish
• Peaceful cichlids: Severums, Firemouths

Avoid Housing With:

• Very small fish (may be intimidated)
• Long-finned slow fish (may be nipped)
• Shrimp (will be eaten)

Schooling Behavior

Must be kept in groups of 6 minimum, preferably 10+. Proper schools display:

• Coordinated swimming patterns
• Reduced individual aggression
• More vibrant coloration
• Natural racing behavior

Special Considerations

• Jumpers: Secure lid absolutely required
• Fast swimmers: Need open space
• Dither fish: Excellent for making shy fish feel secure
• Breeding: Scatter eggs in vegetation

Health Notes

Generally very hardy. Watch for:

• Ich (common in stressed fish)
• Fin injuries from rough handling
• Jump injuries (ensure lid is secure)

Breeding

Breeding is possible in well-conditioned tanks:

• Condition with live foods
• Spawning occurs in morning
• Scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants
• Remove adults after spawning (they eat eggs)
• Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours

Tips for Success

• Buy the largest school possible
• Provide current with powerhead or filter output
• Use tight-fitting lid
• Feed varied diet for best coloration
• Keep with appropriately sized tank mates