波条

Overview

Three straight dark side stripes, with the middle one broadest, help identify Devario aequipinnatus. Its name has long been used too broadly, particularly for commercial giant danios, so a familiar trade name alone does not establish its identity.

Distribution & habitat

The species in its narrower sense occurs in northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Clear, oxygen-rich hill streams and upper river sections have gravel, rocks and some bankside or overhanging cover. Flow, water volume and turbidity change through the seasons.

Aquarium setup

Provide a long river-style aquarium with sand, gravel, rounded stones and wood. Tough plants can be anchored to the hardscape. Limit organic waste, maintain good oxygenation and moderate circulation, and replace roughly a third to half of the water weekly. A tightly closed lid is necessary because these fish jump.

Diet & feeding

Examination of wild fish found insects dominating the gut contents, with plant material also present. Use a good prepared food as the base and add regular small live or frozen meals for variety and condition.

Behaviour & compatibility

Although not normally aggressive, it can overwhelm slow or timid companions through constant movement and vigorous feeding. Robust fishes of similar size and compatible needs are better partners in a spacious aquarium. Eight to ten or more conspecifics reduce nervousness and allow most ranking disputes to remain within the group.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females tend to be slightly larger, fuller-bellied and less colorful. Males show stronger colors in the presence of competitors.

Breeding

Fish identified as this species have been spawned without hormones using increased temperature and simulated rain, although identification confusion remains relevant. A trial can follow general devario practice: a separate dim aquarium with established water, gentle aeration and mesh or fine plants protecting scattered eggs. Remove parents afterward and start fry on microscopic foods before offering larger live foods. Experience with commercial stock should not automatically be treated as proof for confirmed wild specimens.

Notes

Older southern Indian and Sri Lankan records largely concern other species. The three straight side bands, including the broad central band, are more useful than assuming every large striped danio belongs here.