Very hardy, lively shoalers that need length to swim and a group to feel secure. Fine in cooler water.
- Temperature18–26 °C
- pH6.5–8
- Minimum tank60 L
- DifficultyBeginner
| Food | Flake, micro-pellet, frozen daphnia |
|---|---|
| Feeding | Once or twice a day |
| Water change | 25% weekly |
Behaviour and habits
Fast, restless shoalers that use the full length of the tank and rarely stop — zebra danios genuinely need swimming room, not height. In groups of eight or more they chase harmlessly; kept in twos or threes they turn that energy into fin-nipping.
What to feed, and how often
Almost any small food works — flake, micro-pellet or frozen daphnia. Feed once or twice a day; because they are so quick they grab food before it sinks, so check that slower species still get their share.
Water changes and maintenance
Their toughness is a trap — danios forgive neglect, so do not skip upkeep. A 25% weekly change keeps the shoal in condition.
Care and how easy it is
Extremely hardy and fine in cooler water (down to about 18 °C); ideal for a beginner tank, if it is long enough.
Lifespan
With good conditions and steady water quality, this species typically lives around 3–5 years in a home aquarium; some individuals live longer.
Common health problems
Rarely ill; injuries and fin rot follow poor conditions or too small a group.
If it gets sick
Damage is usually from nipping or a knock. Fix the group size and space, keep the water clean, and observe the injured fish for a few days — most heal on their own in good water.
Good tank mates
- 16–24°C
- pH 6–8
- 50 L+
- 20–26°C
- pH 6–7.8
- 60 L+
- 24-26 C
- pH 6.5-7.5
- 40 L+; 45 x 30 cm base
- 22-26 C
- pH 7.0-8.5
- 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
- 20–26°C
- pH 7–8.2
- 50 L+
Best avoided with
Similar species
- 22–27°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 60 L+
- 16–24°C
- pH 6–8
- 50 L+
- 24–28°C
- pH 5.5–7
- 30 L+
- 20–24°C
- pH 6.5–7.5
- 30 L+
- 22–27°C
- pH 6–7.5
- 50 L+
Compare at a glance
| Parameters | Zebra danio | Harlequin rasbora | White cloud mountain minnow | Chili rasbora |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parameters | ||||
| Temp | 18–26 °C | 22–27 °C | 16–24 °C | 24–28 °C |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–7.5 | 6–8 | 5.5–7 |
| GH | 4–20 °dGH | 2–12 °dGH | 4–18 °dGH | 1–8 °dGH |
| Min. tank | 60 L | 60 L | 50 L | 30 L |
| Size | 5 cm | 5 cm | 4 cm | 2 cm |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | Omnivore | Carnivore |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Intermediate |
Care guides
New to the words? See the aquarium glossary.
Sources and research notes
Parameters are typical ranges for the species in home aquariums and vary with the individual fish and the water you use.