The giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Danionidae, native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. With a maximum length of about , it is one of the largest species in the family. It may be found in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy and etymology
The giant danio belongs to the large danionin genus Devario. Its specific epithet is a combination of the Latin adjectives aequalis and pinnatus, meaning "equal" and "finned" respectively. This is a reference to the fact that the dorsal and anal fins of this species are symmetric.
Several other species in the genus, including D. affinis, D. browni, D. malabaricus (the Malabar danio), and D. strigillifer, were once deemed as synonyms of the giant danio, but are now valid species. One may find fish labelled as "golden giant danio" in the aquarium trade; this is not a separate species, but merely a partial albino giant danio.
Description
The giant danio can grow up to , making it one of the largest danionins. It is characterized by a blue and yellow, torpedo-shaped body with gray and clear fins. Females are larger than males and possess a more rounded abdomen.
Distribution and habitat
The giant danio is native to the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka) and most of Indochina, with a range running from Pakistan to Cambodia. The average lifespan of this species in captivity is 5-7 years.