The Queen Danio is an attractive and underappreciated member of the Devario genus, native to the river systems of Thailand and Myanmar. It grows to approximately 6 cm and displays striking coloration: a silvery base body adorned with vivid blue-green to turquoise iridescent stripes running horizontally from behind the gill plate to the caudal peduncle, combined with yellowish to golden markings. Males are more slender and intensely colored than females. Like other large danios in the Devario genus, the Queen Danio is noticeably bigger and more robust than the common Zebrafish, requiring a larger aquarium and producing a more visually impactful display. It is an active, sociable, mid-to-upper water swimmer that thrives in a school of six or more. Wholly peaceful, it makes an excellent community tank occupant alongside other medium-sized peaceful species. It prefers somewhat warmer water than some other danios, with a temperature range of 22–27°C. In the wild it inhabits streams and rivers with moderate current, clear water, and sandy or gravelly substrates. The Queen Danio is an undemanding omnivore that readily accepts all standard aquarium foods, and its combination of size, color, and easy maintenance makes it a rewarding species for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
