Barred Danio (Devario pathirana)

Family: Cyprinidae

Barred Danio — a Cyprinidae freshwater fish. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; keep at 22–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4.5–6.6 cm
Minimum tank
52 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Devario pathirana lives bottom-dwelling over gravel. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Devario species we profile, alongside Devario regina, Devario sondhii, Devario devario.

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 Barred Danio easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Shoaling; keep in groups of 6 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Barred Danio need?

Aim for 22–25 °C. Room temperature to heated, depending on origin; 22–25 °C recorded range.

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

Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 52 litres.

What does Barred Danio eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular vegetable matter. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Barred Danio live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; some species nip fins. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Barred Danio come from?

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

Does Barred Danio jump?

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

How does Barred Danio breed?

Egg-scatterer; no parental care. Males often slimmer and more colourful.