Zebra Danio

Zebra Danio is amongst the most admired tropical fish for numerous reasons. It is a very hardy and striking fish. Its common name other than Zebra Danio is Zebra Fish. Its scientific name is Danio rerio. It lives as long as five years. It grows to the size of 2.5 inches or 6.4 cms in an aquarium and can grow slightly larger in a pond. The following piece of writing provides more information about this fish.

Geographical Distribution

Clear, freshwater streams of South East Asia are inhabited by Zebra Danio. It lives in acidic water in the wild.

Diet

Zebra Danio is an omnivorous fish and accepts almost all kinds of foods. Their diet is an undemanding one. This fish relishes inverts whether frozen or dried and also fresh vegetable stuff.

Breeding

It is very easy to breed Zebra Danios. A pair will be formed by this fish which will often remain together throughout the life. If you want to preserve the young, the breeding tank should be empty except for a two inch layer of large (.5- 1 inch in diameter) glass marbles. Allow the female to settle for about a day after you have introduced her to the tank and before you add male to the tank. When they both are in the tank, add a few cups of cold water and the ingratiating behavior will begin. In favorable conditions, female releases her eggs in open water and male fertilizes them. Eggs then sink to the bottom, fall through the marbles and become out of the reach of their parents. After about 7 days fry emerge from the marbles, now parents should be constantly fed or removed from the tank to avoid the situation when the fry can be consumed by parents.

Physical Description

Body of Zebra Danio is slender and compressed. There are blue stripes all over its body. Its mouth is directed upwards. Between blue stripes, males have golden stripes and females have silver stripes. Females have larger and whitish belly.

Tank Set Up

In tank of Zebra Danio provide a coarse sand or fine gravel substrate. Include plants on the sides and back of the tank and leave ample room in the tank’s heart for swimming. Decorate discreetly with a few rocks or driftwood. Temperature required is 18-24 degree C or 64-75 degree F, pH needed is 6.0-8.0. The tank must have the capacity to hold at least 10 gallons of water or more. Provide good deal of lighting in the tank.

Social Behavior

The Zebra Danio does well with its own kind and most other species. Be careful that Zebra Danio and its companions do not consume up each other. Also, make sure that its other tank mates are keeping well with its fast paced lifestyle. The reason is that it will aggravate fish that need a non-violent environment.

Compatibility

Danios,Tetras, Barbs, Rasboras, Angelfish, Catfish, Gouramis, Plecos, Livebearers, Loaches, Discus and Plecos are some of the suggested companions of Zebra Danio. Its compatibility with these fish provides a better environment in the aquarium.

Zebra Danio is a lively but non-violent schooling fish. It is a productive spawner as well. This fish is good for planted aquariums as it does not harm plants. Do not mix them with aggressive species. This fish is tolerant to a wide range of water parameters. Thus, if you are a novice in fish keeping, you can have this pet happily with you.