Zebra Danio: The Striped Speedster of Freshwater Aquariums

If you're new to fishkeeping or simply looking for a lively, low-maintenance addition to your tank, the Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) is the perfect choice. With its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and iconic black-and-white stripes, this little fish is both beautiful and bursting with energy. It’s no wonder Zebra Danios have been a staple in home aquariums for decades.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Danio rerio

• Common Names: Zebra Danio, Zebrafish

• Origin: South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal)

• Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years (can live longer with excellent care)

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Care Level: Very easy (ideal for beginners)

Appearance

Zebra Danios are instantly recognizable thanks to the horizontal black or navy blue stripes running from gill to tail, over a silver or gold body. Their streamlined shape and constant motion make them a dynamic presence in any community tank.

There are also popular color and fin variations, including:

• Longfin Zebra Danio

• Golden Zebra Danio

• Leopard Danio (spotted variant)

• GloFish Danio (fluorescent color morphs, genetically modified)

Behavior and Personality

Zebra Danios are highly active and constantly on the move. They dart around the upper levels of the tank and rarely stop swimming.

• Schooling fish: Should be kept in groups of at least 6 to prevent stress and encourage natural behavior

• Peaceful nature: They rarely show aggression and get along with a wide range of species

• Interactive: Will often greet their owners at the glass during feeding time

They’re also known for their playful chasing behavior, which is harmless unless kept in too small a group.

Tank Setup

Zebra Danios are very adaptable, but they thrive in clean, well-maintained tanks with space to swim.

Minimum Tank Size

• 10 gallons for a small group (but 20+ gallons is ideal for stability and space)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18–25°C (64–77°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Filtration: Moderate flow (they enjoy some current)

• Lighting: Standard lighting works well; their stripes shimmer beautifully under good light

Décor

• Provide open swimming space with some plants or decorations for hiding

• Use fine gravel or sand substrate

Zebra Danios are cold-water tolerant and can be kept without a heater in temperate environments — but consistency is still key.

Diet

Zebra Danios are omnivores and very easy to feed.

Recommended diet:

• High-quality flake or micro-pellet food

• Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

• Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini

Feed small portions once or twice daily, ensuring they consume it within a minute or two.

Tankmates

Zebra Danios are peaceful and fast swimmers — making them excellent community fish.

Good tankmates:

• Neon or cardinal tetras

• Corydoras catfish

• Guppies, platies, mollies

• Rasboras

• Gouramis (dwarf or pearl)

• Shrimp and snails (they won’t bother inverts)

Avoid:

• Slow-moving, long-finned fish (e.g., bettas) — Danios may nip fins if kept in small groups

• Large, aggressive species (they’re too small to defend themselves)

Breeding

Zebra Danios are egg scatterers and very easy to breed in captivity.

Breeding basics:

• Use a separate breeding tank with a mesh or marbles at the bottom to protect the eggs

• Condition adults with high-protein foods

• After spawning, remove adults — they will eat the eggs

• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or crushed flake food