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Giant danio (Devario malabaricus) — Cyprinidae

Giant danio

Devario malabaricus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Giant danio (Devario malabaricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Malabar danio is a small cyprinid (Danionidae) from South Asia. The species has a slender, laterally compressed body with a blue-green sheen and golden lengthwise stripes on the flank. It occurs in a variety of habitats, from boulder-strewn mountain torrents to small pools in dry-zone streams, and is most common in flowing water. It lives in schools. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small zooplankton and plant matter. It is a popular aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Giant danio?

The Giant danio has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Giant danio live?

The Giant danio lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Giant danio get?

The Giant danio grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.

Is the Giant danio dangerous to humans?

No, the Giant danio is harmless to humans.

Is the Giant danio edible?

The Giant danio is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Malabar-danio sourced
English name
Giant danio verified
Scientific name
Devario malabaricus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Giant danio; Malabar danio verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Average length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Devario

More from the family Cyprinidae

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