Danio rerio
Bombproof beginner schooler, tolerates 18–26 °C so it survives unheated tanks through Cape Town winters. Needs a long tank for the constant front-to-back darting; tall hexagons are the worst possible shape. Avoid pairing with slow-moving long-finned species (angels, bettas), they nip.
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) reaches 4–6 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 60 L (long, not tall). Native to South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan), it lives in the mid to top water column with a peaceful (active; can nip fins of slow fish) temperament. Aim for 18–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep zebra danio in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, daphnia. Surface feeders by nature, eats fast. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only (fast, bold).
Care at a glance
Bombproof beginner schooler, tolerates 18–26 °C so it survives unheated tanks through Cape Town winters. Needs a long tank for the constant front-to-back darting; tall hexagons are the worst possible shape. Avoid pairing with slow-moving long-finned species (angels, bettas), they nip.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether zebra danio fits in your tank.
Mid to Top
Yes
Group of 6+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, daphnia. Surface feeders by nature, eats fast.
3–5 yrs
Easy
Cool seasonal streams and rice paddies of South Asia
South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) needs a minimum tank of 60 L (long, not tall). They live in the mid to top water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only (fast, bold). Plant safety: Yes.
Zebra Danio are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, daphnia. Surface feeders by nature, eats fast.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
