 |
Zebra DanioFamily: Cyprinidae Danio rerioPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More i just started and i have 3 zebra daino and 3 lepeord daino as any one got any suggestions on what fish i should add to my tank Steeport The Zebra Danio is a deservedly popular aquarium fish for its charm, grace, and above all hardiness!Zebra Danio Contents The hardy and attractive Zebra Danio is an ideal fish for beginners. A prolific breeder, it is also the easiest egg layer to breed. A schooling fish, it should be kept in a small group of at least three, ideally ten. It can be housed with most any fish, provided that the danio will not be eaten and that the other fish aren't startled by swift movement. The Zebra Danio can withstand an impressive range of water temperature and conditions. These fish will generally do just fine without a water heater, as they are comfortable down to the low sixties (F). But even though they are not finicky about water conditions, it's best to not keep your aquarium at either extreme. Don't be surprised if the school spends a lot of time in the stream of the filters or pumps as this is the swift moving environment to which it is accustomed. Today there are also dozens of variations of danio, certainly a variety of this fish for every taste. Some of these varieties are: the Leopard Danio and Longfin Leopard Danio, Hybrid Danio, Longfin Zebra Danio, Gold Zebra Danio, Albino Zebra Danio, and the recently introduced "Glo-fish" , a genetically modified little fish which is the most controversial in the hobby. Care needs to be taken that neither specimens nor fertilized eggs be released into the environment, as this fish has invasively populated some environments. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
 |
||||
|
Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Zebra Danio lives in clear freshwater streams of South East Asia. In the wild they inhabit acidic waters, but the stock now for sale is many generations past this.
The slender compressed body of the Zebra Danio is pale yellow, marked with steel blue stripes that fade off into the fins and tail. It has a barbel at each lip end. Some varieties of this fish include:
-
Leopard Danio & Long fin leopard danio
Although sometimes separated as a different species, the leopard danio is actually only a bred color morph developed by a Czech scientist. Rather than the stripes, this fish's side is adorned with steel blue spots. The two will school and can even breed together. The long fin has been bred with extended fins and tail. -
Hybrid Danio
The hybrid danio is another bred color morph for those of us who just can't choose between spots and stripes. Its side is spotted about halfway down the body, at which point the spots condense in to stripes. Hybrid danios are fairly new to the hobby. They also can breed with either the leopard or Zebra Danio but offspring won't stay true to the parent's coloration. -
Long fined Zebra Danio
This is merely the Zebra Danio with more extended fins. It has nearly exceeded the traditional variety in popularity. -
Gold Zebra Danio
This is a gold morph of the Zebra Danio, which has had the blue stripes bred out. This fish ought to not be confused with the pearl danio, an entirely different species. -
Albino Zebra Danio
This is a naturally occurring phenomenon, the absence of pigments on the fish's body surface. Also not to be confused with the pearl danio. -
"Glo-fish"
This little fish is the most controversial in the hobby. It is a recently introduced variety of Zebra Danio that has been genetically modified to sport unnaturally red, green, orange, or yellow coloration. They also glow in the dark or under a black light. Their care does not vary from the natural Zebra Danio. They are fairly difficult to come by in many places due to bans or public dissent. Read more about the Glo-fish here.
Since they are omnivorous, the 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.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
The Zebra Danio will get along with its 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 do 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.
The females are generally more colorful, and the males are more streamlined and slim in body shape.
The 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.
The Zebra Danio and its variations are available nearly universally. Cost ranges generally from $.50- $3 USD in a pet store and about the same from internet or mail order.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 
|
|||||
|
International Index Pages |
|||||
| Join Dr. Jungle on Facebook - People Talking About Their Pets | |||||
