皇 · Queen 'Danio'

Overview

The blue-and-yellow, deep-bodied Devario regina resembles several other striped devarios. Its usually mild temperament does not remove the need for a spacious aquarium suited to an energetic stream fish.

Distribution & habitat

The probable range is western and southern Thailand and the northern Malay Peninsula, including nearby islands. Older reports from India, Myanmar and Laos apparently concern other species. Clear, oxygen-rich foothill streams and upper river sections provide gravel, rocks and bankside shelter. Monsoon rainfall brings seasonal variation in flow, volume and turbidity.

Aquarium setup

Use sand, gravel, rounded stones, a few larger rocks and wood to create a river setting. Hardy plants can be attached to decorations. Keep organic pollution low, maintain good oxygenation and moderate circulation, and replace approximately a third to half of the volume each week. A close-fitting lid is needed to prevent escapes by jumping.

Diet & feeding

Insects and larvae probably dominate the natural diet. Captive feeding is expected to be straightforward, but acceptance should be checked. Combine quality prepared foods with regular small live or frozen meals.

Behaviour & compatibility

Though generally nonaggressive, it can overwhelm shy or slow companions through its swimming and feeding activity. Robust fishes of comparable size and matching environmental needs are preferable in a large aquarium. Keep eight to ten or more conspecifics to reduce nervousness and direct most ranking interactions within the group.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are expected to be larger, fuller-bellied and less colorful at maturity. Males color more strongly around rivals.

Breeding

General devario egg-scattering methods offer a starting point. Use a separate dim tank with mature water, gentle aeration and mesh, fine plants or mops protecting eggs. Introduce conditioned pairs and remove them after spawning, or after about two days if no spawning was observed. Microscopic starter foods are followed by microworms, newly hatched brine shrimp and fine dry foods as the fry grow.

Notes

Several relatives share its general shape and coloration. Locality and detailed morphology should be considered together rather than treating a trade photograph as sufficient identification.