Characteristics , Origin , and Helpful entropy for Hobbyists
Zebra danios are a favorite of fresh water Pisces hobbyists because of their ease of care . They are also prolific breeders and the easiest type of egglayers to multiply . With their attractively striped , black and white zebra - pattern bodies , these fish are easy to spot .
Zebrafish are very durable and can withstand an impressive range of water temperatures and conditions . They will loosely do just fine without a water heater as they are comfortable at temperature as low as 60 degree Fahrenheit .
Credit: kazakovmaksim / Getty Images
Species Overview
Common Names : Striped danio , zebra danio , zebrafish
Scientific Name : Danio rerio
big Size:2 inches
Credit:The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
Life Expectancy:5 years
Characteristics
Origin and Distribution
Zebra danios were in the first place thought to have originated from a wider reach that elongate from Myanmar in the east and Pakistan in the western United States ; however , the current consensus is that this species originates from a much narrower range that is confinedto parts of India and Bangladesh .
Part of this change in dispersion is due to the recognition of similar species that were once misidentified asDanio rerio . Damage to the surroundings that resulted in a reduction of habitable area has also narrowed their innate range , even though wild zebra danios use a diversity of habitats , ranging from fast - moving stream to easy - moving , nearly stagnant ponds .
Zebra danios available in the aquarium industry are now almost always captive - bred as zebra are well-fixed and inexpensive to raise . While commercial raising has provided a large and inexhaustible supply of this species , it has also resulted in a Pisces that is less racy than the original wild species . Many varieties of zebra danios are available now at your local aquarium store .
Colors and Markings
The zebra danio is easily recognized by its classifiable horizontal chevron . downhearted - empurpled horizontal stripes run from gill to rear end , setting off the slim , compressed , silver - atomic number 79 physical structure of this attractive fish .
Albino , golden , humeral veil - tailed , and long - finned zebra danio diversity are usable , as well as a pop leopard change . The leopard tune is characterized by a sprinkle of dark spots over the intact soundbox . In the past , the leopard danio was reckon a unlike species , but genetic studies have proven that it is merely a blot variance ofDanio rerio .
A brightly colored variety of zebra danio is now available called GloFish . These fish have had fluorescent paint introduced into their DNA that makes them brilliantly colour . They still have gloomy stripes but the organic structure vividness is now orangish , unripe , low-spirited , empurpled , or red .
Tankmates
The small sizing of the zebra danio , no more than two inches , make them well beseem to a residential district aquarium . Zebra danios are peaceful fish that get along with most tankmates , however , they will nip the fin of some mintage . Any fish with long - fall fins , such asangelfish , bettas , andguppies , are likely fair game of the active zebra danio . unspoilt possible tankmates may include standardised - sized danios , dig , corydoras catfish , tetras , loach , mollies , plays , and swordtail .
All varieties thrive in schools and should never be kept as ace . They do best when proceed in a school day of five or more of their own kind . Groups of this fish can be hierarchical , and a pecking order may issue in the school , but there is no scrap . Select tankmates that are standardized in temperament and that can keep up with the tight - pace behavior of this danio . Mellower Pisces that need a less hectic surroundings can become stressed in their bearing .
Zebra Danio Habitat and Care
zebra are primarily open - dwelling fish that favor move water system . Technically considered acold - water fish , this Pisces prefers water in the 64- to 75 - degree Fahrenheit range of a function . However , they will adapt to a all-embracing compass of pee conditions . Ifwater temperaturesare observe too low , they tend to become more susceptible to disease .
zebra are extremely active , and although they have a predilection for the upper levels of the aquarium , they will move throughout the total storage tank . leave them with diffuse lighting and an open swim space with vegetation around the fringe of the habitat . A darker colorsubstratewill help showcase the color of these Pisces and give the habitat a more natural feel .
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
Zebra Danio Diet and Feeding
Zebra danios are omnivorous , accept almost any food . Although undemanding in diet , they specially enjoy small , lively , or frozen invertebrates and fresh vegetable matter . They can be fed small pelleted intellectual nourishment or flake fish food for their principal diet , with supplements of halt - dried brine shrimp or tubifex insect , or quick-frozen foods .
Gender Differences
Both sexes have two yoke of barbels and the same stripes , but female person are unremarkably large . Males are a scrap smaller and more slender than female . Male zebra look more torpedo - mould , while females tend to have a larger belly . More full - bodied than the males , a female person ’s stomach balloons when it fills with eggs .
Breeding the Zebra Danio
Zebra danios are idealistic for beginners as they are prolific breeders , and interestingly , females can spawn every two to three days after reaching intimate maturity date at about four months . The best way to obtain a union pair is to bulge out with a school of a half twelve or more vernal zebra and allow and see for the females to develop rounded venter . When the female are full of eggs , disjoined one or two females and two to four males into a separate breeding tank .
coiffe up a separate breeding tank with shallow water , just about 6 inches bass . Furnish the tank with exquisitely - leaf plant . The bottom take to be covered with a coarse substrate such as marble or large gravel / pebbles so that the ballock will descend between the substrate pieces and will be protected from the adult Pisces , which will readily corrode their own ballock once they lay them . A wide - mesh breeding net holding the adult can also be suspended in the armoured combat vehicle . The internet needs to be large enough for the ballock to fall through the netting , without letting the parent out .
When preparing to breed them , providing a water modification can help oneself induce spawning . Spawning require temperatures of up to 78 to 80 level Fahrenheit and can be triggered by raising the water a few degree near dawn — when engender normally occurs . About 300 to 500 eggs will be scattered across the bottom and on the plants . Remove breeders after spawning , as they will also devour the young as they hatch .
The fry will hatch in about two days , depending on the water temperature . The small fry are very tiny and can easy be lost whenchanging water system , so take care when maintaining the nursery tank . A sponge filter is best to employ in the fostering / nursery cooler so the babies do not get sucked into the filter . Feed the young commercially preparedfry foodor finely beat out flake food . you could also add a powdery egg to fry food for thought to promote growth . Be certain not to overfeed as uneaten food will maculate the water rapidly .
More Pet Fish Breeds and Further Research
If zebra danios entreaty to you , and you are concerned in some compatiblefish for your aquarium , check out :
gibe out additional fish specie visibility for more information on other freshwater Pisces .
