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Zebra Danio

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Danio rerio

Complete Zebra Danio care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 10 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Zebra Danio

Quick Answer

Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 10 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the top zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the top levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Zebra Danio requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 10 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Zebra Danio is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Zebra Danio has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 5 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Top
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Zebra Danios should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 6 to 8 individuals in a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm). Zebra danios (Danio rerio) are active schooling fish that need the company of their own kind to feel safe and active. Groups under 5 cause stress and faded stripes. A school of 10+ displays natural shoaling and spawning behavior. Provide open swimming lanes and a tight-fitting lid (they are jumpers). Tank length must exceed 24 inches (60 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for Zebra Danios?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 64°F - 75°F (18°C - 24°C). They are extremely hardy and tolerate cool water down to 60°F (15.5°C). Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a HOB or canister filter with moderate flow. Provide smooth gravel or sand. Avoid heaters unless room is very cold.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Zebra Danios?
They are omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed premium flake food, small pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are hardy but can carry camallanus worms; treat with levamisole.
How to breed Zebra Danios in captivity?
Select 10-12 mature fish and condition with live baby brine shrimp and blackworms for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of water (pH 7.0, dGH 8, 70°F/21°C), a spawning mop, and marbles as substrate. Simulate dawn. Spawning occurs in the morning; female releases 200-400 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 48-60 hours at 70°F (21°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp. Grow-out requires frequent water changes.

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