Queen danio

Care at a glance

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.

Related species

• 

  Lake Inle danio

  Devario auropurpureus

  3.1 in (8 cm)24 gal (90 L)64–77°F (18–25°C)

• 

  Bengal danio

  Devario devario

  3.5 in (9 cm)34 gal (130 L)59–81°F (15–27°C)
• Barred danio

  Devario pathirana

  2.4 in (6 cm)24 gal (90 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)

• 

  Malabar danio

  Devario malabaricus

  5.1 in (13 cm)48 gal (180 L)64–77°F (18–25°C)

• 

  Giant danio

  Devario aequipinnatus

  5.9 in (15 cm)50 gal (190 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Rainbow shiner

  Notropis chrosomus

  3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)50–72°F (10–22°C)