Zebra Danio (Brachydanio rerio)
Zebra Danios are a favourite hobbyist because of their ease of care, charm, and grace. These fish are easy to recognize by their distinctive horizontal stripes. Blue-purple horizontal lines that run from gill to tail, setting off the slim, compressed, golden-silvery body of this attractive fish that looks similar to that of a zebra
Zebra Danios are peaceful and will get along with most tankmates; however, they may nip fins of individual species such as betas and angelfish, but that aside they make a great addition to the community tank.
They are very hardy and can withstand an impressive range of water conditions and temperatures.
This species will do just fine without a heater as they are pretty comfortable at low temperatures.
Photos
Zebra Danio Variants
Quick Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Brachydanio rerio |
Other Names | Zebra Fish, Striped Danio |
Classification | Actinopterygii |
Order | Cypriniformes |
Family | Cyprinidae |
Genus | Danio |
Origins | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Shoaling | Yes |
Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
Diet | Omnivore |
Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
Lifespan | 2 - 4 years |
Water Parameters | |
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Water Type | Freshwater |
PH | 6.5 - 7.0 |
GH | 5 - 12 |
KH | 1 - 5 |
TDS | 100 - 500 |
Temperature | |
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64 - 74℉ 17.8 - 23.3℃ |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Zebra 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.
Tank Mates
2 interesting tank mate ideas for the Zebra Danio could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
There isn't much that defines a male from a female species except that the female is more rounded and slightly larger than the male.
In contrast, the male is more streamlined and torpedo-shaped.
You will not be able to differentiate until they are adults as they look identical to juveniles.