Tropical Fish: Danios
Zebra Danio
Brachydanio rerio
Zebra danios are active fishes that can be housed in groups of three or more with other peaceful community tank residents of similar size. They should be housed in large aquariums that are long, rather than wide or tall. Provide a coarse sand or fine gravel substrate. Plants can be included on the sides and back of the aquarium, leaving plenty of room in the center for swimming. Decorate modestly with a few rocks or driftwood.
They will accept a wide variety of small live foods, such as bloodworms, insect larvae, brine shrimp nauplii and Tubifex worms, as well as freeze-dried, frozen and flake foods. Supplement their diets with parboiled romaine lettuce and foods that contain Spirulina.
Zebra danios normally spawn with just one partner. Females are fuller-bodied and larger than males and have more subdued coloration. The bodies of males usually have a bright-yellow background with fine red lines between wider blue longitudinal lines.
Breeding is most successful in shallow water (4 to 6 inches deep) in a densely planted aquarium (either artificial or live plants are fine). Place the female in the aquarium a day before spawning and add the male the same evening. After a rigorous courtship, the pair will spawn in the early hours of morning and will produce between 400 and 500 eggs. Once spawning is complete, remove the pair. The fry will hatch in two days and will accept small fry foods.
Source: aquarium fish magazine
Compatibility: Tetras, Danios, Barbs, Gouramis, Angelfish, Discus, Livebearers, Rasboras, Loaches, Plecos, and Catfish.
Zebra Danio Care:
The Zebra Danio is a prolific spawner but precautions should be taken to prevent the adults from eating the eggs. Did you know that Zebra Danio males generally spawn with and remain loyal to one female.
Zebra Danios are active but peaceful schooling fish. They will not damage plants so are quite suited to planted aquariums. In community tanks, avoid mixing them with species that are too aggressive.
They are schooling fish and will not be happy unless kept in a group of at least six of their own species.