Queen danio
Devario regina
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–79°F
- 20–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 3.1 in
- 8 cm
- Minimum tank
- 30 gal
- 115 L
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Origin
- Thailand, Myanmar
Overview
Queen danios are fast, peaceful shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least six, and more where there is room, since a larger shoal keeps them relaxed and shows off their shimmering stripes. They are tireless swimmers of the middle and upper water and suit an active community of other robust, quick species rather than slow or delicate tankmates. They eat almost anything, taking flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods with enthusiasm. Because they are strong jumpers, a well fitting lid is essential. A tank around 115 liters or larger lets this restless danio swim freely.
In the wild
The queen danio is native to clear, flowing hill streams and rivers in Thailand and Myanmar, where it lives in cool to warm, well oxygenated water over rock and gravel. It handles a moderate range of about 20–26 C and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Set it up with a good current, a base of sand and rounded gravel, and water worn stone and driftwood. Keep planting to the sides and leave a long, open central lane, since this fish spends its day cruising rather than hiding among decor.
Good to know
Devario regina is a member of the family Cyprinidae that reaches around 8 cm. It is a slim, silvery danio marked with iridescent blue green and gold horizontal stripes that flash as it turns in the light. Its species name regina is Latin for queen, a nod to its elegant striping. It is an egg scattering, non guarding spawner that can be bred in a dedicated tank with moderate effort.
Did you know
The species name regina is Latin for queen, chosen for the fish's graceful lines and the bands of blue green and gold that run the length of its body. Like other danios it is a powerful jumper, able to launch itself clear of the water, so an open topped tank is asking for escapees.
Weekly picks
Tank mates
Queen danio is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Freshwater3.9 in (10 cm) · 30 gal (115 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Marbled hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Freshwater1.6 in (4 cm) · 32 gal (120 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)
Duboulayi's rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Freshwater4.7 in (12 cm) · 30 gal (115 L)64–82°F (18–28°C)
Senegal kuhli cat
Amphilius rheophilus
Freshwater4.7 in (12 cm) · 30 gal (112 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)
Silver hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus levis
Freshwater1.4 in (3.5 cm) · 30 gal (112 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)
Blue Amur bitterling
Paracheilognathus himantegus
Freshwater3.1 in (8 cm) · 30 gal (112 L)57–79°F (14–26°C)
Common questions
What size tank does a Queen danio need?
A Queen danio needs at least 30 gal (115 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Queen danio need?
A Queen danio is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
How big does a Queen danio get?
An adult Queen danio reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).
Does a Queen danio need a group?
Yes. A Queen danio is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Related species
3.1 in (8 cm)24 gal (90 L)64–77°F (18–25°C)Lake Inle danio
Devario auropurpureus
3.1 in (8 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)
3.5 in (9 cm)34 gal (130 L)59–81°F (15–27°C)Bengal danio
Devario devario
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2.4 in (6 cm)24 gal (90 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)Barred danio
Devario pathirana
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5.1 in (13 cm)48 gal (180 L)64–77°F (18–25°C)Malabar danio
Devario malabaricus
5.1 in (13 cm) · 48 gal (180 L)
5.9 in (15 cm)50 gal (190 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Giant danio
Devario aequipinnatus
5.9 in (15 cm) · 50 gal (190 L)
3.1 in (8 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Ablabes barb
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