Zebra Danio

Overview

• Scientific Name: Danio rerio
• Common Names: Zebra Danio, Zebrafish
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to the streams and rivers of South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Zebra Danios are easily recognizable by their horizontal stripes, which can vary in color but are typically a combination of blue and silver. The stripes usually run from the head to the tail.
• Size: Adults typically reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in length.
• Fins: They have small, transparent fins, with the dorsal fin positioned towards the back of the body.

Behavior

• Temperament: Zebra Danios are peaceful and social fish, making them excellent community tank inhabitants.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and should be kept in schools of at least six or more to encourage their natural schooling behavior.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Zebra Danios inhabit shallow waters, including rivers and streams, often in areas with abundant vegetation.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space is ideal. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a small school.

Diet

• Feeding: Zebra Danios are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets
  • Freeze-dried or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
  • Vegetables such as blanched spinach or peas
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice daily, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Zebra Danios are egg scatterers and do not exhibit parental care.
• Breeding Conditions: To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The female will scatter eggs among the plants during spawning.
• Fry Care: After hatching, the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to consume regular foods.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks providing better water quality and swimming space.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 64°F to 74°F (18°C to 23°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality and perform regular water changes (about 25% weekly).

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Zebra Danios are compatible with a variety of peaceful community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Guppies
  • Corydoras
• Behavior with Others: Due to their friendly nature, they can coexist well with other non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Zebra Danios can live for about 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Zebra Danios are often used in scientific research due to their fast reproduction rate and transparent embryos, making them easy to study.
• They are hardy fish that can adapt to a range of water conditions, which makes them ideal for beginners.