Fireline Devario (Devario sondhii)

Family: Cyprinidae

Fireline Devario — a Cyprinidae from South & Southeast Asia, peaceful, restless swimmers that use every inch. Reaches 8.1–11.9 cm; groups of 6 minimum; bigger schools calm them. 23–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
8.1–11.9 cm
Minimum tank
170 L
Water layer
Active throughout the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful, restless swimmers that use every inch
Origin
South & Southeast Asia

Species overview

Cyprinidae species Devario sondhii comes from South & Southeast Asia. A restless micropredator of the surface film, evolved for open, sunlit water. It uses the whole water column. Adults reach 8.1–11.9 cm. Groups of 6 minimum; bigger schools calm them. Generous swimming room, a big school and clean water cover nearly all of its care. Maintain 23–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

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
Groups of 6 minimum; bigger schools calm them
Diet
Small surface-oriented omnivore; flakes and tiny live foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other danios and small rasboras — Form a fast, peaceful upper-water school
Avoid keeping with
  • Slow, timid fish — Outcompeted at the surface

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males often slimmer and more colourful
Breeding method
Typical egg-scattering minnow; mop spawning works