Zebra Danio 3.5cm

Zebra 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 the most popular species is the zebra danio which is popular for its hardiness, activity, colouration, size and schooling behaviour. These make for one of the best beginner fish ever due to their wide range of tolerable parameters, they also breed very easily and can thrive in cold water settings.

Zebra danio get their name from the long horizontal stripes that run from head to tail. What’s especially cool with these fish is how naturally blue they are which is not commonly seen in freshwater nano fish. This navy blue contrasted with the silvery scales really makes for a simple but beautiful fish. Zebra danios are also a great schooling fish which add a tonne of life to the tank and frequently stick to the upper portions of the tank. 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.

They are also easy to breed males and females can also be recognised fairly easily. Males tend to be slimmer and slenderer 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 Zebra Danios
Being a very small and extremely easy to care for fish the zebra danio can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being 40 litres. They are able to withstand swings in parameters and temperature which makes them a great fish to keep in smaller tanks. Due to their top dwelling nature they are not fussy with substrate and will be happy will sand or gravel. they will love and look best in a densely planted aquarium and including lots of fine leafed, dense growing plants such as ambulia allows for eggs and possibly fry to naturally survive. The only precaution which should be taken into consideration for danios is they are avid jumpers so a good aquarium lid is a must.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Zebra danio are 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.

Sometimes 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 Zebra Danios
Zebra 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 great to see their pack feeding as they hammer the surface of the water when feeding. Because of this primarily surface dwelling mentality a floating or slow sinking food is best fed to them.