Zebra Danio

Danio rerio

Zebra Danio is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner

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Need help with Zebra Danio?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 64–77°F (18–25°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
KH: 1–5 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+
Captive-bred form: GloFish Cosmic Blue longfin form; historical route retained.

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–25 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 1–5 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Zebra Danio is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Zebra Danio should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Barred Danio Danio absconditus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5.2 cm) 63–79°F (17–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Ink Barb Barbodes bunau Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Ruby Barb Pethia nigrofasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Zebra Danio get?

Zebra Danio reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Zebra Danio need?

Use an aquarium of at least 24 US gal (90 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Zebra Danio peaceful?

Yes. Zebra Danio is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Zebra Danio?

Keep it between 18 to 25 °C.

Should Zebra Danio be kept alone or in a group?

Zebra Danio: Keep in a loose group of 8+.