Moustached Danio (Danio dangila)

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The Moustached Danio (Danio dangila), also commonly called the Dangila Danio, is a bold and energetic schooling fish known for its metallic horizontal striping and distinctive barbel “moustache” at the mouth. Larger and more robust than most common danios, this species brings constant motion and structure to the mid-to-upper levels of larger community aquariums.

When kept in proper groups and given ample swimming space, Moustached Danios form tight schools that move with purpose, creating a natural sense of flow and energy within the aquarium.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Distinctive Barbels: The characteristic “moustache” gives this danio its name
• Bold Horizontal Striping: Metallic lines shimmer as the school moves
• High-Energy Schooling Behavior: Adds life and motion to larger aquariums
• Hardy and Resilient: Well-suited for established community tanks

Natural Habitat:

Moustached Danios originate from rivers and streams of northeastern India and surrounding regions. These habitats feature clear, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow, rocky substrates, submerged roots, and dense vegetation along the margins. Seasonal rainfall creates dynamic water movement, shaping this species’ strong swimming ability.

Aquascaping:

Aquascape for Moustached Danios with the feel of a flowing river channel framed by structure and vegetation. These fish thrive in aquariums with open swimming lanes rather than dense planting throughout.

Use smooth river stones, rounded cobbles, and driftwood to guide water movement and create visual boundaries. Plants such as Vallisneria, Java Fern, Anubias, Bolbitis, and Crinum work best when placed along the sides and background, leaving the center of the tank open for schooling.

Moderate to strong water flow is encouraged, ideally moving lengthwise across the aquarium to support their natural swimming patterns. Aquatic Arts Indian Almond Leaves or Catappa Bark may be used sparingly to soften the aquascape without cluttering swimming space.

Diet and Feeding:

Moustached Danios are omnivorous and enthusiastic feeders. Offer high-quality flakes or pellets as a staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A varied diet supports coloration and sustains their high activity level.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

This species does best with other active, similarly sized community fish that enjoy movement and flow.

Good tank mates include larger barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful loaches, hillstream loaches, and other robust danio species. Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish, which may become stressed by the constant activity of Moustached Danios.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Moustached Danios are not recommended for shrimp-focused aquariums. While large adult shrimp may occasionally be ignored, smaller shrimp and shrimp fry are likely to be eaten due to the fish’s speed, size, and midwater feeding behavior. This species is best suited for fish-only or fish-forward community setups.

Breeding:

Breeding Danio dangila in home aquariums is uncommon but possible under controlled conditions. Spawning typically occurs over fine-leaved plants or spawning media. Adults do not provide parental care and may consume eggs if not separated.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 68°–78°F (20°–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• KH: 3–10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
• Social Behavior: Strong schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more
• Origin: Wild-caught
• Average Adult Size: 4–5 inches
• Average Purchase Size: 2–3 inches

Why We Think You’ll Love Them:

If you’re building a tank that values motion, structure, and visual rhythm, the Moustached Danio is an excellent choice. Their size, energy, and cohesive schooling behavior make them a standout for river-style aquariums and large planted displays.

Moustached Danio – Common Questions

1. How big do Moustached Danios get?
Moustached Danios typically reach an adult size of 4–5 inches.

2. Are Moustached Danios the same as Dangila Danios?
Yes. Moustached Danio is a common name for Danio dangila, referring to the distinctive barbels near the mouth.

3. How many Moustached Danios should be kept together?
They should be kept in groups of at least 6, with larger groups showing more natural schooling behavior.

4. Are Moustached Danios aggressive?
They are not aggressive but are very active, which can stress slow-moving or long-finned fish.

5. What size tank do Moustached Danios need?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended to provide adequate swimming space.

6. Do Moustached Danios need strong water flow?
They prefer moderate to strong flow, which supports their natural swimming behavior.

7. Are Moustached Danios good for planted aquariums?
Yes, especially river-style planted tanks with open swimming areas.

8. Are Moustached Danios shrimp safe?
No. They are not recommended for shrimp tanks, particularly where shrimp fry are present.

9. What do Moustached Danios eat?
They eat flakes or pellets as staples and enjoy frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

10. Can Moustached Danios be bred in home aquariums?
Breeding is possible but uncommon, and adults may eat the eggs if not separated.

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