Zebra Danio

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The zebra danio (Danio rerio) is a small, striped cyprinid from the streams, rice paddies and slow rivers of South Asia, especially the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins of India and Bangladesh. It reaches about 4–5 cm and lives 3–5 years. As the laboratory 'zebrafish,' it is one of the most-studied vertebrates in science. These tireless swimmers need horizontal space, so a tank of 40–75 litres with plenty of length suits them best. They are unusually tolerant of temperature, thriving anywhere from 18–24°C with a pH of 6.5–7.5, and are a classic beginner fish. Keep them in shoals of six or more, with plants around the edges and open water in the centre for racing. Zebra danios are omnivores that eat flake, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods eagerly. Active and peaceful, they make lively dither fish but may nip the fins of slow, long-finned tankmates, so pair them with similarly brisk species. Hardy overall, they occasionally suffer ich or fin rot after chilling or poor water — both easily prevented with stable, clean conditions.

• How active is a Zebra Danio?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Zebra Danio need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a Zebra Danio need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Zebra Danio a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Zebra Danio live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Zebra Danio?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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