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| Danio rerio (the Zebra Danio) |
| Family: |
Cyprinidae |
| Maximum Size: |
2.5" (6.0cm) |
| Distribution: |
Occurs naturally in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. This species has been recorded in South America, probably due to escape from a commercial rearing facility. |
| Temperature Range: |
64-75oF (18-24oC) |
| pH Range: |
6.0 to 8.0 |
| Water Hardness: |
5.0 to 19.0 dH |
 Danio danio is almost as popular with biology researchers as it is with aquarists. A wide range of research topics from genetics to brain development are studied using the zebra danio as a model organism. More exciting to aquarists than its use as a research animal, are the many qualities that make Zebra Danios a great aquarium fish. The small size and peaceful temperament of these fish make them terriffic additions to a small community tank. They normally occur in slow-moving to stagnant standing water bodies, particularly rice-fields. In these habitats they feed on worms and small crustaceans. D. rerio is also a avid eater of insect larvae. So much so, that they are used as a form of biological mosquito control in some areas! Zebrafish are omnivorous, not carnivorous, however, and should be offered a variety of foods including some spirulina or other vegetable matter. D. rerio is one of the easiest species to breed. The only trick is to prevent the parents from devouring the newly laid eggs. This species scatters its eggs, and there are a variety of screens and meshes that aquarists use to let the eggs fall through but keep the parents away from them. Spawning normally requires some shallow water for the male to trap the female. I normally use a plastic specimen container with a slotted bottom that I tip up on one corner. The female normally lays her eggs at first light. |
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