Devario Pathirana

Datasheet

General Description

The Barred 'Danio' (Devario Pathirana) is a species classified under Cypriniformes and belongs to the Cyprinidae family. It is a small fish with a maximum size of 8.0cm, often recognized by its unique color pattern of 7-11 dark blue, irregularly shaped, parallel vertical bars on the anterior portion of each flank, along with a short horizontal stripe on the caudal peduncle extending into the central caudal-fin rays.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Barred 'Danio', it is advisable to replicate a flowing stream or river environment. This can be achieved with a substrate of variably-sized water-worn rocks, sand, fine gravel, and driftwood roots or branches. Hardy aquatic plants such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be added. Good water quality with regular 30-50% weekly water changes and a tightly-fitting cover to prevent jumping are crucial. The preferred water conditions include temperatures of 23-26°C, pH levels of 6.0-7.5, and hardness ranging from 18-143ppm.

Behaviour

The Barred 'Danio' is not inherently aggressive but can disturb slow-moving or timid tankmates with its constant activity and vigorous feeding behavior. Therefore, it is best housed with robust, similarly-sized companions in larger tanks. These fish tend to school naturally, so keeping a group of 6-10 specimens is recommended to reduce stress and encourage color display among males. They are more combative than other genus members and benefit from being maintained in decent numbers to limit aggressive interactions primarily to conspecifics.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Barred 'Danios' primarily feed on insects and their larvae. In the aquarium, they are known to consume various foods, accepting a staple diet of good quality dried products supplemented with small live or frozen fare like bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia. Providing a diverse diet contributes to their coloration and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Barred 'Danios' are egg-scattering free spawners without parental care. To encourage breeding, a controlled environment with dim lighting, plants, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH is recommended. Females appear rounder when gravid, and spawning typically occurs within 24 hours after introduction. Incubation lasts 24-36 hours, with young becoming free-swimming a few days later. Sexually mature females are larger and less colorful than males.

Habitat and Distribution

The Barred 'Danio' is native to small streams and tributaries in southwestern Sri Lanka, specifically within the Nilwala River watershed. However, due to habitat degradation from human activities like deforestation and sand mining, populations of this species are at risk of extinction. They prefer slow-moving, clear water with sandstone boulders and interspersed sand or silt substrate in their natural environment. Sympatric species found in their habitat include various native fish species like Rasboroides, Laubuca, and Systomus.

The etymology of the genus name Devario is believed to originate from the local vernacular name for the Cyprinus type species 'Cyprinus devario,' and the species name 'pathirana' honors Ananda Pathirana for discovering this new species.