How big does Zebra Danio get?

Zebra Danio reaches an adult standard length of 3–4.5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Zebra Danio need?

18–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, 5–15 dGH, 2–10 dKH. At 8 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.

What is the smallest tank for Zebra Danio?

At least 40 L, and no shorter than 50 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Zebra Danio like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the top and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 18Freshwater

Zebra Danio斑马鱼

Danio rerio · Cyprinidae

The toughest tank-cycler, healthier at 18-24 °C than at 28 °C.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 18 · Zebra Danio Danio rerio

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 斑马鱼
Scientific name: Danio rerio
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal)
Adult size: 3–4.5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Water level: Top
Level: Beginner
School size: ≥ 6
Min. tank: 40 L
Min. length: 50 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.18–26 °C

pH6.5–7.5

Hardness5–15 dGH

Alkalinity2–10 dKH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1One of the most cold-tolerant tropicals, healthier at 18-24 °C than at 28 °C.
2Groups of six or more chase constantly near the surface, so cover the tank against jumps.
3Omnivorous on any small food, ideal for beginners and for cycling new tanks.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Zebra Danio get?: Zebra Danio reaches an adult standard length of 3–4.5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Zebra Danio need?: 18–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, 5–15 dGH, 2–10 dKH. At 8 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.
What is the smallest tank for Zebra Danio?: At least 40 L, and no shorter than 50 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Zebra Danio like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the top and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".