Zebra danio
Danio rerio · Danionidae
Also known as Zebrafish, Danio rerio
Beginner
Fast, tough, cool-water tolerant striped shoaler — one of the easiest fish there is.
In short: A zebra danio needs at least 60 L (16 US gal), water at 18–26 °C (64–79 °F) and pH 6–8. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 6+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 5–19 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- India, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Streams, rice paddies and irrigation channels
- Natural conditions
- Cooler, moving, moderately hard water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 6 fish
- Swims
- Top
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasWhite cloud mountain minnowRosy barbBristlenose pleco
- Avoid
- BettaSlow long-finned fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Females are rounder; males slimmer and more golden.
- Notes
- Scatters eggs over marbles or mesh; the easiest egg-layer to spawn.
- Common ailments
- IchMycobacteriosis in old stock
Will it fit your tank?
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Sign in to check my tanksGuides and lists that mention the zebra danio
- How to cycle an aquarium: the nitrogen cycle, step by step
- How to set up your first freshwater aquarium
- New tank syndrome: signs, how to fix it and how to prevent it
- How to lower pH in an aquarium (and how to raise it)
- KH vs GH in an aquarium: what's the difference?
- Best aquarium fish for Indian weather
- Best freshwater fish for beginners
- Fish for a 60-litre (16-gallon) aquarium
- Cold-water aquarium fish
- Aquarium fish native to India
- Check the zebra danio with your other fish in the stocking checker
