Devario Devario

Datasheet

General Description

The Bengal Danio, scientifically known as Devario Devario, is a popular species in the aquarium trade, with distinctive interrupted light-colored lateral stripes on each flank. This fish belongs to the family Cyprinidae and can grow up to a maximum size of 8.0cm.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for the Bengal Danio involves aquascaping to mimic a flowing stream or river, with a substrate of water-worn rocks, sand, fine gravel, and driftwood. They thrive in spotless water conditions with high oxygen levels and moderate water movement. Aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be added, and regular water changes of 30-50% are recommended. A tightly-fitting cover is essential as Bengal Danios are known to be skilled jumpers.

Behaviour

Bengal Danios are not aggressive but their constant activity and vigorous feeding behavior may disturb slower or timid tankmates. They are best kept in larger aquaria with robust, similarly-sized fishes, ideally in groups of 8-10 specimens. Maintaining them in decent numbers helps reduce nervousness and promotes more natural behavior. In a school, aggression is usually contained as fish establish hierarchy positions, with males displaying better colors in the presence of rivals.

Feeding and Diet

These fish are generalist eaters, consuming aquatic and terrestrial insects, filamentous algae, diatoms, water mites, fish scales, among other organisms. In the aquarium, they readily accept a variety of foods, but a good quality dried product supplemented with live or frozen treats like bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia enhances coloration and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Bengal Danios are egg-scattering free spawners with no parental care. A well-conditioned group can spawn in a mature, dimly-lit aquarium with suitable breeding substrate. Sexually mature females are rounder-bellied, less colorful, and slightly larger than males. Females spawn every 24-36 hours, and after hatching, fry require small live foods like Paramecium before moving on to powdered dry foods.

Habitat and Distribution

Naturally found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the Bengal Danio inhabits streams and still-water habitats with diverse substrates. They coexist with various fish species in the wild, showcasing adaptability to different ecological niches. Although some distribution records require confirmation, the species is prevalently observed in northeastern India.