
Danio rerio
Note:
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
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Synonyms |
Barilius rerio, Brachydanio rerio, Danio lineatus |
Distribution |
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan.
|
Sexual Dimorphism |
Mature females are more fuller-bodied. The males?
|
Maximum Size |
5cm (2?) |
Water Parameters |
Will acclimatise to a wide range of aquarium
|
Temperature |
18-24 deg C (64-75 deg C) |
Compatibility |
Subtropical community with no long-finned fish |
Special Requirements |
Prefers cooler than average temperatures |
Lighting |
No special requirements |
Care
Hardy, attractive and active, this is an ideal species for
the beginner. Zebra Danios must be kept in groups of 6 or more, due to their
shoaling nature, and are often employed as ?dither fish?; indeed their active
nature helps to encourage more reclusive fish to venture out into the open. The
tank should contain aquatic plants for cover, with an open swimming space
provided in the centre. Can be kept with most other community fish, although
long-finned species are best avoided, as are placid fish species which are
easily disturbed by the Zebra Danios constant activity. Zebra Danios do best in
water of a slightly cooler-than-average temperature, so be sure to choose
tankmates accordingly. Golden and Long-finned varieties are sometimes
available, and from time to time, imports of stunning wild-caught specimens are
seen.
Feeding
Eagerly accepts most aquarium foods offered: flake,
micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia and cyclops.
Breeding
Fairly easy. A separate shallow breeding aquarium should be
set up and furnished with spawning mops/Java moss or instead a substrate of
sterilised marbles. A conditioned pair/mixed group should be added to the tank,
and the temperature gradually raised to 26 deg C. Spawning often occurs when
the first rays of morning sunlight hit the aquarium, and up to 500 eggs per
female can be laid amongst the d?cor. The adults must be removed from the
aquarium once spawning has ceased, as they will predate on the eggs. After
24-36 hours, the eggs will hatch into tiny wrigglers and after a further 24
hours or so, they will become free-swimming. Infusoria is recommended as a
first food.