Zebra Danio
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
The quintessential beginner's fish for generations of freshwater aquarists. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
The Zebra Danio has been kept by tropical fish fanciers for more than a century and still ranks as one of the best-liked and hardy beginner’s species. When kept in schools, as it should be, it puts on a constant show of flashing stripes without threatening other peaceful fishes. A variety of color morphs and long-fin varieties have been commercially developed, including albino, veiltail and leopard varieties. Zebras are extensively used in scientific genome research.
Family: Cyprinidae
Other common name(s):
- Zebra Fish
Native range:
Habitat: The Zebra Danio prefers a well-lighted aquarium with good circulation. Include plants on the sides and back, with lots of open area in the center for swimming. Decorate with driftwood or a few rocks and a fine-grade gravel substrate.
Maximum length: 6 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)
General swimming level: Throughout the aquarium.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Will accept most aquarium foods, including flakes, freeze-dried and frozen. Supplement their diets with Spirulina-based foods. Treat occasionally with live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
The Zebra Danio is an active schooling species that should be kept in groups of at least three.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Males are torpedo shaped, while females are usually larger and more full-bodied. The Zebra Danio is an easy species to propagate--the first egglaying species for many beginning breeders.
Danios are all egg scatterers, releasing and fertilizing non-adhesive eggs that sink to the bottom. Breeders cover the bottom of the tank with marbles or insert a plastic grid to keep the parents from gobbling up their own spawn.
[edit] Notes
They are jumpers—keep under a tight-fitting cover.
| Common name | Zebra Danio +, and Zebra Fish + |
| Family | Cyprinidae + |
| Genus | Danio + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | India +, Pakistan +, Nepal +, Myanmar +, Bangladesh +, and Bhutan + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | rerio + |
| Swimming level | Throughout the aquarium. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |