Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Danio rerio, better known as Zebra Danio, is widely distributed throughout Asia. It is found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Nepal, and has been sighted in Columbia. This annual species is found mostly in slow-moving bodies of water – rice-fields in particular – and in streams, ponds, ditches, and canals.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 18°C – 24°C (64 – 75F)
Hardness: 5 – 19 dH
Description: Danio rerio will reach a maximum length of 4 cm. It has an elongated, torpedo shape and five horizontal blue stripes on its body that extend to the caudal fin – giving it a Zebra-like appearance. Males have gold stripes between the blue stripes; females are larger, with a white belly and silver stripes instead of gold. This species can live up to five years, but it will generally last about 2 – 3 years in captivity.
Diet: Danio rerio is an omnivore and generally eats zooplankton, phytoplankton and insects in the wild. Provide it with algae – it aides in digestion – and worms to maintain a balanced diet.
Breeding: The Zebra Danio is a prolific breeder and is ideal for beginners. It is advised you set the breeding tank up with shallow water and put in plenty of fine-leafed plants for spawning, along with a coarse gravel substrate. The ideal spawning temperature is around – but not exceeding – 26°C. The female Danio rerio can produce 500 eggs, which will hatch within 72 hours. You should remove the adults straight after spawning to avoid them cannibalising the eggs. The fry should be fed finely crushed fry food until they grow bigger.
Comments: This species is excellent for beginners as it doesn’t require strict water conditions. The Zebra Danio will need a well-lit tank, plenty of swimming space and a great deal of vegetation. This small species should be kept in a tank of at least five gallons in volume, although a bigger tank is advised for large groups.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 20:41:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
