Leopard Danio
Danio rerio var.
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
64-77°F (18-25°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Leopard Danio
The leopard danio is a spotted variety of the zebra danio, native to the same South Asian waters of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Instead of the zebra's horizontal stripes, the leopard danio displays a pattern of dark blue-brown spots and speckles scattered across a golden background, creating a leopard-like appearance. It was once classified as a separate species but is now recognized as a color variant of Danio rerio. Leopard danios are just as hardy and active as their striped counterparts, making them excellent beginner fish. A longfin variety with flowing, extended fins adds an elegant twist to this energetic little fish. They share the zebra danio's legendary tolerance for a wide range of aquarium conditions.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 64-77°F (18-25°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Danio
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Leopard danios have identical care requirements to zebra danios. They are extremely hardy and adapt to temperatures from 65-77°F. Keep them in schools of at least six in a tank with plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very active and benefit from a longer tank rather than a taller one. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as they are accomplished jumpers. Feed quality flakes and micro-pellets with occasional frozen or live foods. They are peaceful schoolers that mix well with most community fish. The longfin variety is slightly slower and more delicate than the standard form. They are among the best fish for beginners and for cycling new tanks using the fishless method.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Leopard Danio
Related Species You Might Like
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
Gold Ring Danio
Brachydanio tinwini
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Tank Mates for Leopard Danio
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
easy · 20+ gal
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Leopard Danio need?
A Leopard Danio needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Leopard Danio need?
Leopard Danio thrive in water between 64-77°F (18-25°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Leopard Danio easy to care for?
Leopard Danio are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Leopard Danio get and what do they eat?
Leopard Danio reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Leopard danios have identical care requirements to zebra danios. They are extremely hardy and adapt to temperatures from 65-77°F. Keep them in schools of at least six in a tank with plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very active and benefit from a longer tank rather than a taller one. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as they are accomplished jumpers. Feed quality flakes and micro-pellets with occasional frozen or live foods. They are peaceful schoolers that mix well with most community fish. The longfin variety is slightly slower and more delicate than the standard form. They are among the best fish for beginners and for cycling new tanks using the fishless method.