Moustached Danio (Danio dangila)

Family: Cyprinidae

Moustached Danio — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; keep at 18–24 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–24 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
11.2–16.5 cm
Minimum tank
327 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

Danio dangila of the family Cyprinidae is an aquarium-kept Cyprinidae. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins and omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 11.2–16.5 cm and prefers 18–24 °C water. Other Danio species in our database include Danio margaritatus, Danio rerio, Danio albolineatus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams and rivers over gravel
Flow
Moderate, well-oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Appreciates well-oxygenated water

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine gravel and sand
Hardscape
Water-worn stones and driftwood
Plants
Hardy rooted plants along the margins

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more
Diet
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Moustached Danio easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Moustached Danio need?

Hold 18–24 °C and keep it stable — 18.0–24.0 °C typical for the genus. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin.

How big does Moustached Danio get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 327 litres.

What does Moustached Danio eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Moustached Danio live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins; shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Moustached Danio come from?

It lives in clear streams and rivers over gravel. Moderate, well-oxygenated current; Appreciates well-oxygenated water.

Does Moustached Danio jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Moustached Danio breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.