Leopard Danio 3.5cm

Leopard Danio

Danios are by far one of the best beginner fish species, they come in a wide range of colours, patterns, stay very small and are cold-water tolerant. One of these amazing species is the Leopard Danio which is an absolute stunner amongst the danio species. These small fish have bold colours with an almost gold undertone and an array of opal blue spots all through their body. They have a very metallic look which makes leopard danios shimmer and glow under aquarium lighting. Leopard danios are also great schooling fish that add a tonne of life to the tank and frequently stick to the upper portions of the aquarium.

The even better thing about them is that danios are one of the best community fish in existence, meaning that they can be kept with a wide range of peaceful aquarium fish. Because of their hardy and cold water tolerant nature they can be great for those who are just looking into keeping aquariums as they do not need a heater like tropical fish however they can also thrive in a tropical aquarium.

Leopard danios are also fantastic pond fish due to their cold water tolerance and if the pond is deeper than the local frost line, then they can in fact be kept year-round outside. They are also easy to breed where males and females can also be recognised fairly easily. Males tend to be more slim and slender whereas females have a more rounded belly. Females will scatter eggs through the aquarium almost daily and once the male has fertilised these, they can be harvested and raised separately. Danios are naturally found in the waterways of India and Bangladesh. 

Tank Recommendations for your Leopard Danios

Being a very small and extremely easy to care for fish the leopard danio can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being 37 litres. They are able to withstand swings in parameters and temperature which makes them a great fish to keep in smaller tanks. Leopard danios also will love a good flow in the water as they naturally come from locations that have a strong flow., this will also really bring out their active nature as well.

Due to their top dwelling nature, they are not fussy with substrate and will be happy will sand or gravel as a substrate medium. they will love and look best in a densely planted aquarium and including lots of fine leafed, dense-growing plants such as ambulia allow for eggs and possibly fry to naturally survive. The only precaution which should be talked into consideration for leopard danios is they are avid jumpers so a good aquarium lid is a must. This species is most active during the day when the lights are on during the day.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Leopard is an extremely peaceful fish with no fin nipping tendencies, they can be kept with a vast range of peaceful community fish.

Usually Compatible

Tetras, gouramis, corydoras, angelfish, cherry barbs and common community fish species.

Sometime Compatible

dwarf cichlids such as rams and large peaceful cichlids such as Uaru or Severums which might outcompete for food.

Rarely Compatible 

Shrimp and large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars, and Jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Leopard Danios
Leopard Danios will take to a wide range of aquarium foods given to them, this includes pellets, flakes, frozen and live foods. When kept in a school it is great to see their pack feeding as they hammer the surface of the water when feeding. Because of this primarily surface-dwelling mentality, floating or slow sinking food is best fed to them. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so when the lights are on during the day.