Golden Zebra Danio

Distribution:      The Golden Zebra Danio is a specialty bred color variation of the Zebra Danio. In the wild, the Zebra Danio is found in clear freshwater streams of South East Asia.

Status:      These fish are not endangered. Care needs to be taken that neither specimens nor fertilized eggs be released into the environment, as this fish has invasively populated some environments.

Description:      The Golden Zebra Danio has a slender compressed body and a barbel at each lip end. This is a gold color morph of the Zebra Danio which has had the blue stripes bred out, leaving it embellished with yellow-golden and white stripes. This fish should not be confused with the Pearl Danio, which is an entirely different species.

Size - Weight:      This fish will grow to about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in an aquarium, slightly larger in a pond.

Care and feeding:      Since they are omnivorous, the Albino Zebra Danio will eat most any prepared or live aquarium food. They enjoy chasing after tubifex worms, whether living or freeze dried and floating.
     This fish as fairly hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. Though a school of danios can be kept in a smaller aquarium, they will do best in about a 20 gallon size. The aquarium should have plenty of open water for swimming and be covered to prevent jumps.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:      The Golden Zebra Danio will spend most time in the top and middle regions, particularly if there is open water or water current.

Acceptable Water Conditions:      Temp: 64-75 ° F (18-24 ° C)
     pH: 6.0-8.0
     Hardness: 2-20 ° dGH

Social Behaviors:      Zebra Danios will get along with their own kind and most other species. A pecking order may emerge in the school, but nothing will come of it. Take care that its tank mates are unable to eat it, and that the Zebra Danio is unable to the same. In addition, be sure the other fish can keep up with its fast paced lifestyle, because it will aggravate fish that need a peaceful environment.

Sexual Differences:      The females are larger, and more fuller bodied than the males, which are more streamlined and slim.

Breeding/Reproduction:      The Golden Zebra Danios are very easy to breed, and it may even occur on accident. Two fish will form a breeding pair which they often keep for life. If you wish to retain the young, the breeding tank should be empty except for a two inch layer of large (.5- 1 inch in diameter) glass marbles. Add the female to the tank and let her settle for about a day before adding the male. When they are both in the tank, adding a few cups of cold water will cause the courtship to begin.
     If conditions are favorable, the female will release her eggs in open water and the male will fertilize. The eggs will then sink to the bottom and fall through the marbles, out of their parents reach. The fry will emerge from the marbles after about 7 days. At that time or before, parents should either be removed or kept constantly well fed.

Availability:      The Golden Zebra Danios are readily available and inexpensive. They can be found in pet stores, on the internet, and through mail order.

Authors: "Yvonne" and Clarice Brough, CFFS.