TankBud

Moustached danio

Danio dangila

Also known as Moustache danio, Danio deyi, Mustache Danio

FreshwaterFish

Moustached danio (Danio dangila)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–79°F
20–26°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
5.1 in
13 cm
Minimum tank
32 gal
120 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Top
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cyprinidae
Origin
Found in streams, ponds, and flooded fields across northeastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

Overview

Keep moustached danios in a group of at least six in a tank of 120 litres or more, since they are large, fast, active swimmers. Cooler water suits them, around 20 to 26 C with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and a tight lid is a must because they jump. Feed flakes, pellets, and frozen foods, and note that they will eat dwarf shrimp and fry. They are peaceful toward similar sized fish but too large and quick for a nano tank.

In the wild

The moustached danio lives in a range of still and slow-flowing waters across the eastern Himalayan foothills, from clear hill streams to seasonal pools. It is the largest of the true danios and swims in loose shoals in the upper water. A dark blotch behind the gill and a faint network pattern mark the adult body. Long barbels at the mouth give the fish its moustache name.

Good to know

Danio dangila is the largest true Danio, reaching about 13 cm, and it keeps a pair of long barbels that many smaller danios lack. It has been recorded under several names, including Danio meghalayensis and Danio deyi, which are now treated as the same fish. Its broad range across the eastern Himalayas means wild populations vary a good deal in pattern.

Did you know

It is one of the few danios large enough to work as a centerpiece shoal in a bigger community tank, and older fish develop a subtle gold and blue net pattern on the flanks.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

Moustached danio is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the top. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Moustached danio need?

A Moustached danio needs at least 32 gal (120 L). It spends most of its time in the top.

What temperature and pH does a Moustached danio need?

A Moustached danio is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

How big does a Moustached danio get?

An adult Moustached danio reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm).

Does a Moustached danio need a group?

Yes. A Moustached danio is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Related species