Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
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 Zebra Danio
The zebra danio is a small, energetic freshwater fish native to the streams and rice paddies of South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Its distinctive horizontal blue and silver stripes run the full length of its body, giving it its common name. Zebra danios were the first vertebrate to be cloned and are widely used in scientific research, including the development of the fluorescent GloFish varieties. These fish are incredibly active, spending most of their time darting rapidly around the upper levels of the tank. Their hardiness is legendary in the hobby, as they tolerate temperatures from the low 60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit and adapt to virtually any water chemistry.
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
Zebra danios are extremely active swimmers that need a tank with plenty of horizontal swimming space, ideally at least 20 gallons long. Keep them in schools of at least six, as solitary danios can become stressed and nippy. They prefer cooler water around 65-77°F and do not actually need a heater in most room-temperature homes. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as they are accomplished jumpers. Feed a staple of quality flake food with occasional frozen or live foods for variety. Zebra danios make excellent dither fish for timid species and are often recommended for cycling new tanks due to their resilience, though fishless cycling is always the more humane approach.
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 Zebra Danio
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Tank Mates for Zebra 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 Zebra Danio need?
A Zebra 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 Zebra Danio need?
Zebra Danio thrive in water between 64-77°F (18-25°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Zebra Danio easy to care for?
Zebra Danio are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Zebra Danio get and what do they eat?
Zebra Danio reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Zebra danios are extremely active swimmers that need a tank with plenty of horizontal swimming space, ideally at least 20 gallons long. Keep them in schools of at least six, as solitary danios can become stressed and nippy. They prefer cooler water around 65-77°F and do not actually need a heater in most room-temperature homes. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as they are accomplished jumpers. Feed a staple of quality flake food with occasional frozen or live foods for variety. Zebra danios make excellent dither fish for timid species and are often recommended for cycling new tanks due to their resilience, though fishless cycling is always the more humane approach.