Zebra fish should never be kept alone. They can be in schools of 5 or more. The stripes on their body give a really attractive look. They follow monogamy that is they do not change their pairing mate if the mate dies. The beginners guide gives information on how to care for this fish.
Zebra Fish – Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Zebra fishes are commonly called Zebra Danio and Striped Danio. |
| Scientific Name | Their scientific name is Danio rerio. |
| Habitat or Origin | They are native to Eastern India which is parts of India and Bangladesh. Their habitat is both fast-moving streams and slow-moving waters like ponds which are nearly stagnant. |
| Average Size | The size of zebra fish is 2 and a half inches. But usually, they are 0.7 to 1.5 inches in length. |
| Coloration | The body of Zebra fish has stripes all along the body. The body is silver gold and the stripes are blue-purple in color. |
| Life Span | They live for 2 to 3 years. However, they can be extended to 5 years under proper care. |
| Diet | Zebra danios are omnivorous. They eat fresh vegetable matters which are finely chopped. They can also be given insects and zooplanktons. They eat algae, crustaceans, and worms that are live or frozen. |
| Gender Identification | The female is larger than the males. They have round bellies. Males are more active than females. The males are also more yellow, gold in color than females on the ventral side of the body. |
| Behavior | Zebra fishes rip the fins of some fishes like Angelfish, Betas, and Guppies. They are active swimmers that swim throughout the entire tank but they prefer to be on the surface of the water. |
| Compatibility | They are peace-loving fishes that can get along with fishes like barbs, Corydoras Catfish, Gouramis, Loaches, and Swordtails. They can be kept in schools of 5 or more of the same species. |
| Ideal Tank Conditions | The minimum size of the tank should be 25 gallons. For one extra zebra danio two gallons of water can be added. The substrate should be fine and darker which will highlight the features of the fish. They can have plants that have fine leaves. 12 hours of light is necessary along with a good filter system. |
| Water Parameters | The water temperature can range widely. But their preferable range is 64 – 75 degree F. They can manage cold temperature but are susceptible to disease. the pH should be 6.0-8.0. |
| Breeding | Allow the fishes to choose their mates by putting half a dozen or more zebra fishes in the tank. Once they choose their mate, the temperature of the breeding tank can be raised up to 78 degrees F. the spawning occurs now. The tank should have course gravel. 300 to 500 eggs are laid at a time. The eggs hatch in 2 days. They can be given finely crushed dry food. |
| Common Diseases | One of the most common diseases of Zebra danio is mycobacteriosis. They are caused by several types of bacteria in the tank. The symptoms are inflamed skin, fin loss, and lethargic behavior. |
| Approximate Cost | They are small fishes hence available at low cost. One fish is approximately 2 inches in length and cost $2 to $3. In Southeast Asia, they cost around $1 to $2. It is preferable to buy them in groups of five or more. |
| What to look when buying | Check if the fishes are active. The fins should be propr. This shows that the fish is healthy. |
| Species in the Market | A naturally occurring color morph of this species is albino form. They are common in the aquarium industry. Golden morph zebra danios are also available in the market. |
