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.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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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.
Weighing it against something similar? Compare Zebra Danio head to head:
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.
