Humans and Zebra Danio share 70 percent of their genes with one another. Are we related? They are schooling fish, so if you're super social, perhaps you have something in common with Zebrafish!
According to experts, the Zebra Danio is one of the most popular tropical fish for many reasons.
"They are very hardy, attractive to look at and they usually do well in groups of six or more. This danio is a good first fish for beginners to the tropical fish hobby because of their tolerance of a wide range of water parameters."
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Some other cool facts:
- This species is one of the most common aquarium fish due to a number of different reasons.
- This species can be purchased in most local fish stores for around $2 per fish.
- They have a maximum lifespan of around five and a half years.
Breed overview
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The Zebra Danio are hardy fish!
These freshwater fish are best kept in a school of five or more of their own kind. Groups of this fish can be hierarchal, and a pecking order may emerge in the school, but nothing will come of it.
Zebra danios are peaceful fish that get along with most tankmates. However, they will nip fins of certain species of fish.
The Spruce Pets tells us:
- Scientific name: Danio rerio
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallon
- Water conditions: This fish prefers water between 64 and 75 degrees.
- Fish food: Zebra danios are omnivorous, accepting almost any foods. They particularly enjoy small live foods or frozen invertebrates and fresh vegetable matter.
Tank conditions
They need a 10-gallon tank! Hobbyists also pay a lot of attention to the water temperature. Once the substrate has been added, water can be added to the aquarium slowly to avoid stirring up any of the substrate. The temperature of the water can range from 64-77 degrees with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Add freshwater plants and large rounded pebbles.
They will eat vitamin enriched flakes, frozen food, freeze-dried and high-quality live foods.
Avoid overstocking!
Good tankmates may include barbs, corydoras catfish, similar-sized gouramis, loaches and swordtails. All of these would make suitable tankmates, as would Ember Tetra, Bengal Turquoise Danio, Celestial Pearl Danio and Burma Danio.
There is another variation of this species which is the Longfin Zebra Danio.
Behavior and temperament
According to Fish Keeping World:
The Zebrafish are a community fish and they don't do great on their own! It can lead to loneliness and they may appear stressed. Always keep a school of at least six or more!
With that in mind, Zebra Danio or Zebrafish are a relatively social species and exhibit shoaling behavior.
"These shoals can have a hierarchical system of dominance established through playful non-aggressive behavior. Whilst they are a social and peaceful fish they can be seen chasing each other around the tank.
They can display aggressive behavior towards slow-moving long-finned fish species and they may frequently be seen biting at their fins."
A home aquarium needs to be adjusted to ensure these fish aren't nipping others in their community tank!
Other common names are Canton Danio, Chinese Danio, and White Cloud.
Please leave us a comment below and let us know what you think of your fish tank?