Tiger danio - Devario maetaengensis

Scientific name: Devario maetaengensis

Common name: Tiger danio

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 3 - 10°N (53.57 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Southeast Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Overview

Devario maetaengensis (Tiger danio) is a small, fast-swimming schooling cyprinid from clear, fast-flowing streams in northern Thailand (Mae Taeng River system). Its bold banding and active, synchronized swimming make it a lively feature in hillstream-style community tanks.

Care & Tank Setup

Group size: Keep in groups of 8–12+ to spread any intra-school chasing and bring out natural behavior.
Tank & flow: Minimum 75–100 l / 20–25 gal with strong, oxygen-rich flow; use powerheads/spray bars. Tight-fitting lid—excellent jumpers.
Water: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–10 °dGH, temperature 20–26 °C (68–79 °F). Cool, clean, highly oxygenated water suits them best.
Aquascape: Open swimming lanes with rounded stones, wood, and hardy plants or river grasses; darker substrates enhance contrast.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous micro-predator that is not fussy but shines on variety.

Staples: Quality flakes and micro-pellets formulated for small omnivores.
Live/frozen: Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, small bloodworms.
Offer multiple small feedings daily; avoid very fatty or oversized foods.

Behavior & Compatibility

Schooling: Peaceful, energetic upper–mid water shoaler.
Tankmates: Other cool-water, current-loving fish (danios, smaller barbs, hillstream loaches, Sewellia). Avoid very slow, long-finned species, which may be stressed by their speed.

Sexing

Males are slimmer and more intensely colored; females are deeper-bodied, especially when gravid.

Breeding

Typical egg-scattering danio. Condition adults on live/frozen foods, then spawn in a separate tank with spawning mops, fine-leaved plants, or marbles to protect eggs. Remove adults post-spawn.

Incubation: ~24–48 hours depending on temperature.
Raising fry: Start with infusoria or powdered fry food, then newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.

Lifespan

Typically 3–4 years with cool, clean, well-oxygenated water and a varied diet.

Origin

Endemic to northern Thailand (Mae Taeng/Chiang Mai region); inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams with rock and gravel substrates.

Short description

A lively, hardy hillstream danio best in sizeable groups, brisk flow, and cooler temperatures. Provide open water for sprinting and a secure lid to prevent jumps.