Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Devario malabaricus, or Malabar Danio, is a minnow species found around the west coasts of Sri Lanka and India. It is distributed in a number of different habitats, ranging from mountain torrents to small pools; it is more common in flowing water than in tanks and reservoirs.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 22°C – 24°C (72 – 76F)
Hardness: 4 – 18 dH
Description: Devario malabaricus males can reach up to 12 cm in length, but are 8 cm on average. This species has a silver colouration, and blue and yellow longitudinal stripes. It will display a reddish tinge when in prime breeding condition. Females are larger and have a plumper body shape. This species has a life expectancy of up to five years.
Diet: In the wild this species enjoys a diet of insects and vegetable matter, but Devario malabaricus will accept most foods in an aquarium environment. You can feed it a staple diet of fish pellets and flake; supplement this routine with bloodworms and brine shrimp to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Breeding: This egg-scattering species will require a shallow tank for effective spawning. The females will lay their eggs, sticky and light-orange in colour, on plants and the tank glass. You should remove the parents immediately after the spawning has taken place.
Comments: The Malabar Danio should be tanked in an aquarium of around 40 gallons in volume, and given plenty of swimming space. This species will appreciate plants, rocks and moderately hard water conditions. It is recommended to hobbyists of all levels of experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Devario malabaricus can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive, active species – the faster, the better. Avoid housing this species with slow-moving long-finned fish. The Malabar Danio, an active, shoaling fish, is best kept in groups of 5 – 6. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 21:09:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
