Interrupted Devario

Devario interruptus is a slender and elegant devario distributed across Thailand and Cambodia, inhabiting clear-water rivers and streams with moderate to swift current. Its common name refers to the interrupted nature of its blue-silver lateral stripe, which breaks into dashes and spots rather than forming a continuous band as seen in some related species. The large eyes give it an alert, lively expression.

In the aquarium it is an active mid-water schooler that appreciates a well-filtered, oxygenated tank with some current. A group of six or more fish will swim in a loosely coordinated school, scattering and regrouping in response to movement near the tank. It is peaceful and community-friendly, though it may intimidate very small or timid species.

Devario interruptus is occasionally available from specialist importers and makes an interesting and attractive alternative to the more commonly kept D. aequipinnatus for aquarists seeking variety within the devario genus.

Water: Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; well-oxygenated water with moderate current replicates natural habitat. Tank: Minimum 80 L; open midwater swimming essential; robust planting around perimeter provides security without restricting movement. Feeding: Accepts all standard foods including flake, pellets, and frozen micro-foods; live foods welcomed for conditioning. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; breeding in captivity follows standard devario approach; rarely attempted by hobbyists. Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; good with medium cyprinids, loaches, and peaceful bottom-dwellers; avoid housing with very small nano fish.