Malabar Danio

Devario malabaricus

Malabar Danio is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Malabar Danio?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm)
Aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 64–77°F (18–25°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–25 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Malabar Danio is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Malabar Danio should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sri Lanka, India.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) Blood Tailed Danio Devario annandalei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Malabar Danio get?

Malabar Danio reaches ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm).

What aquarium size does Malabar Danio need?

Use an aquarium of at least 64 US gal (243 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Malabar Danio peaceful?

Yes. Malabar Danio is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Malabar Danio?

Keep it between 18 to 25 °C.