Devario acuticephala

Devario acuticephala, the Pointy-headed or Acute-headed Devario, is a moderately sized danionid from the rivers and hill streams of northeastern India. Its most immediately recognisable characteristic is its distinctly sharply tapering snout, which gives it a more elongated facial profile than most related species. The body displays the genus' typical blue and silver lateral banding, with iridescence that develops well in properly conditioned specimens.

In the aquarium it is an active schooling fish suited to fast-current, well-planted tanks. It is not commonly available in the hobby and is generally imported only as a bycatch in shipments of other northeastern Indian cyprinids. Its care requirements are straightforward and similar to those of other medium-sized Devario species.

For enthusiasts of the less commonly traded cyprinid species of northeastern India, Devario acuticephala offers an interesting and attractive alternative to the mainstream Giant Danio or Bengal Danio, with its distinctive pointed snout serving as an identification feature of genuine taxonomic interest.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; well-oxygenated water with moderate current preferred; regular partial water changes. Tank: Minimum 100 L; open midwater swimming space; robust plants and driftwood along perimeter; tight lid required. Feeding: Omnivorous; pellets, flake, and frozen foods; live daphnia and brine shrimp welcome for conditioning. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; follows standard devario breeding approach; rarely attempted by hobbyists. Compatibility: Peaceful with medium community fish; good with similarly sized cyprinids, barbs, and loaches from the same region.