Leopard Danio (Danio Rerio)
The Leopard Danio is a very hardy, friendly, peaceful and attractive fish. They make a great addition to any community aquarium, especially alongside other Danio species, suitable for any fish keepers level.
This fish is a colour morph of the Zebra Danio and displays a lovely golden brown metallic colour dotted with greyish-blue spots. They have a barbel at the end of each lip. A long-finned version of this fish has been developed that sports long, flowing fins and an extended tail. In both forms, they are eye-catching active fish.
Photos
Leopard Danio Variants
Quick Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Danio Rerio |
Other Names | None |
Classification | Actinopterygii |
Order | Cypriniformes |
Family | Cyprinidae |
Genus | Danio |
Origins | Bangladesh, India, Pakistan |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Aquarium Level | Middle |
Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
Shoaling | Yes |
Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
Diet | Omnivore |
Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters | |
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Water Type | Freshwater |
PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
GH | 6 - 16 |
Temperature | |
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65 - 80℉ 18.3 - 26.7℃ |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Leopard Danio will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are thinner and have a streamlined body shape, and their colours are more intense than females, whereas mature females are plumper and much duller than males.