Alternative Name
Zebrafish
Scientific Name: Brachydanio rerio
Basic Info
Most Zebra Danios usually grow to between one and three quarters and two inches (six centimeters) by maturity. Their stripes are horizontal rather than vertical. Usually, Zebra Danios have light metallic coloration with darker blue-black lines running the length of their bodies.
Health
Zebra Danios usually stay in the middle range of their enclosures. The temperature should be kept between 64 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). The pH level should remain between six and a half and seven, and water hardness should be between 5 and 12 dGH. Usually, an aquarium decorated with wood, rocks, and edible live plants can provide good hiding places. Zebra Danios usually do best when kept in community enclosures or in same species groups. Although Zebra Danios will accept freeze-dried food or flake foods, they do best on fresh food. Blood worms, tubifex worms, glass worms, brine shrimp, bits of beef heart, daphnia, plankton, frozen vegetable mixes, fresh spinach, lettuce, peas, and zucchini are all nutritious and acceptable foods.
Breeding
Usually, Zebra Danios can be sexed by color. Males have golden highlights while females have silver highlights. Males also have very thin red stripes on their bodies, and females are often rounder in shape. Under optimal conditions, Zebra Danios usually breed readily. They should be kept in a ten gallon, heavily planted aquarium with the temperature at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and hatchlings should be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp. After the eggs are deposited the adults can be removed. Zebra Danios do not lay their eggs in one place; rather, they scatter them.
Habitat
Fresh water fish
Behavior
The Zebra Danio is a charming, easy to care for fish. These beautiful little fish are active and, with their metallic sheen, can make aesthetic additions to many aquariums.
Usually Zebra Danios travel in schools, and in captivity they should be kept in groups to avoid stressing them. Zebra Danios are known for their hardiness and rather peaceful natures. Because they get along well with many fish, they are often kept with other species.
Origin
India
History
These fish are native to eastern regions of India. They are commonly kept in captivity and are also used in scientific research. Zebra Danios are often kept in community tanks where they can make a beautiful addition to many collections.
Common Foods
They often eat bits of plants growing in their aquariums and will usually do well in planted aquariums.