Zebra Danio
Quick Stats
| Size | Up to 2.5" (6cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 60 Litres |
| Swimming Area | All. Mostly top and middle. |
| Ph | 6.5 to 7.2 |
| Temperature | 65ºF to 78ºF (18 - 26°C) |
| Food | Flaked, live or frozen |
Common Name:
Zebra Danio, Zebra Fish.
Distribution:
Asia: India to Bangladesh.
Colouration:
Although, not a stunning fish the Zebra is handsome in its own way. The background color is leans toward gold in the male and a paler Yellow in the female. There are four long Blue / Black stripes that run the length of the body from head to tail. The combination give a stripped effect and the basis of the common name. The anal and caudal fins has the same pattern. The top portion of the body is Brown and the belly area a pale Yellow.
Lifespan:
5 Years.
Maintenance:
10 to 20% weekly. In their home waters the zebra is extremely active and always on the move. We need to provide for this in our home aquariums. The tank should be fairly large with length being more important than height. The ideal tank should be at least thirty inches in length. An easy fish to care for overall. These fish are commonly used to begin the bacteria cycle of a new tank as they can withstand high levels of Ammonia, Nitrate & Nitrite. They are an ideal first fish for a newly set up aquarium.
Feeding:
They will take all types of commercial food from live , flake to frozen.
Substrate:
Not critical. Sand is easier to maintain.
Tank Decor:
Decorate the tank with plantings and rockwork, but always leave plenty of open space for swimming.
Filtration:
Standard filtration for the size of the tank.
Biotype:
Found in clear fast flowing streams and similar waters. They tend to stay in large open areas near the surface.
Breeding:
Zebras are one of the easiest fish to breed providing you meet certain requirements. Condition the zebras with the best food possible (white worms, or tubifex ) for a week or so. Then you will need a separate tank, Preferably 5-10 gallons. The tank should have gravel or marbles on the bottom and the water level kept low or the fish will eat the eggs as soon as they are laid. Put several conditioned Danios in the tank to make sure you have both male and female. Watch for the spawning activity. Once the eggs are laid they fall in between the marbles and the parents cannot eat them. Once a few hours have passed remove the fish. The eggs should hatch in a day or so and if after a couple of days you see no fry you may try again after the fish are rested and reconditioned. Raising the fry can be difficult. Once they are free swimming you should feed them with finely ground flakes, paramecium, inforusia or commercial liquifry.