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Zebra danio, Danio rerio

Rasboras & danios · Danio

Zebra danio

Danio rerio · Streams and paddies of India and Bangladesh

Photo: Roundish, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Zebra danio (Danio rerio) is a freshwater fish from Streams and paddies of India and Bangladesh, where it lives in stream habitat. Adults reach about 5 cm (2 in). Keep it at 18–26 °C (64–79 °F) and pH 6.5–8, with strong, well-oxygenated flow. It is peaceful and does best in a group of 6 or more. It eats most foods: flakes, small pellets and frozen foods.

At a glance

Water temperature

18–26 °C 64–79 °F

pH

6.5–8 neutral water

Adult size

5 cm 2 in

Swims

Top and mid-water mostly at the surface

Keep together

6 or more a shoal feels safe

Current

Strong fast, oxygen-rich water

Food

Eats most foods

Temperament

Peaceful

≈ Every value here is an estimate from typical hobby ranges. We're checking them against sources.

Where it comes from

Home water

Streams and paddies of India and Bangladesh

Lives in stream habitat.

Shaded: the countries it comes from. Map: Natural Earth.

Tank mates

Checked against a roomy 300 L planted tank with high flow and plenty of caves. Your own tank may change the answer: try it in Your tanks.

In the hobby

In stock now

Not in stock at any store we track.

From keepers

Love playing in the current.

Questions keepers ask

How big does a Zebra danio get?

About 5 cm (2 in) as an adult.

What temperature does a Zebra danio need?

18–26 °C (64–79 °F).

What pH does a Zebra danio need?

pH 6.5–8.

Does a Zebra danio need to be kept in a group?

Yes. Keep at least 6.

Is the Zebra danio aggressive?

No. It is peaceful with fish that suit the same water.

What does a Zebra danio eat?

It eats most foods: flakes, small pellets and frozen foods.

Where does the Zebra danio come from?

Streams and paddies of India and Bangladesh.

What fish can live with a Zebra danio?

Good tank mates include Peppermint bristlenose (L181), Flash pleco (L204), Amano shrimp, Bolivian ram, Bronze corydoras.

All the numbers

Temperature min (°C)18 Estimate
Temperature max (°C)26 Estimate
pH min6.5 Estimate
pH max8 Estimate
Adult size (cm)5 Estimate
FlowHigh Estimate
Habitatstream Estimate
Smallest happy group6 Estimate
TemperamentPeaceful Estimate
DietOmnivore Estimate
Typical price min (CAD)2 Estimate
Typical price max (CAD)4 Estimate

Some values are estimates from typical hobby ranges and haven't been checked against a source yet.

Other Danio