Zebra Combo - 12 Pieces

Zebra Danios (Danio rerio) are small, active, and hardy freshwater fish that are commonly found in aquariums. Known for their striking horizontal blue and silver stripes, Zebra Danios are ideal for beginner aquarists due to their adaptability to various water conditions and easy care requirements.
Key Characteristics of Zebra Danios:
Size: Zebra Danios typically grow to about 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) in length.
Coloration: They are best known for their vibrant, horizontal blue or silver stripes that run from head to tail. There are different color variations, including the classic striped version, as well as gold, albino, and leopard variants.
Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care.
Behavior: Peaceful, active, and social. Zebra Danios are schooling fish and thrive in groups of 5 or more.
Activity Level: Very active and playful. They are constant swimmers and enjoy exploring the tank.
Water Parameters for Zebra Danios:
Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F), Zebra Danios are cool-water fish that can tolerate a range of temperatures.
pH: 6.5–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral water.
Hardness: 4–12 dGH, they are adaptable to different water hardness levels.
Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Zebra Danios. Larger groups or mixed species setups will require a 20-gallon tank or more.
Tank Setup for Zebra Danios:
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is ideal. They don’t have any particular preference, but a lighter substrate can highlight their stripes.
Plants: Live plants like Java fern, Amazon sword, and hornwort work well in the tank. Floating plants can provide some shade and help simulate their natural environment.
Lighting: Moderate lighting. Zebra Danios are not particularly sensitive to light, but avoid very bright or intense lighting that could stress them.
Water Flow: They prefer moderate water flow, but they are adaptable to gentle or more powerful currents. A reliable filter that creates some water movement is ideal.
Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and plants will provide hiding spots and areas for exploration, though Zebra Danios are active swimmers and don't require many places to hide.
Diet:
Zebra Danios are omnivores and will accept a wide variety of foods:
Staple Foods: High-quality fish flakes or pellets designed for small tropical fish.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and micro worms.
Vegetable Matter: Algae wafers, spirulina-based flakes, or blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini.
Feeding Tip: Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day. They are quick eaters, so be careful not to overfeed, and remove uneaten food to avoid water quality issues.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: Zebra Danios are active swimmers and social creatures. They do best in schools of at least 5–6 fish to feel secure. They may show mild territorial behavior, especially around food, but they are generally peaceful.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Peaceful, non-aggressive fish such as tetras (neon, cardinal, or black phantom), rasboras, small barbs, livebearers (like guppies or mollies), and peaceful cichlids.
Avoid: Aggressive fish or large predatory species that may see Zebra Danios as prey. Similarly, fin-nippers like tiger barbs could cause stress.
Breeding Zebra Danios:
Breeding Zebra Danios in captivity is straightforward and often happens unintentionally in community tanks:
Breeding Tank: A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.5–7.0) and plenty of plants or spawning mops is ideal for breeding.
Conditioning: Feed the breeding pair high-quality foods like live brine shrimp or daphnia to condition them.
Spawning Behavior: Zebra Danios are egg scatterers. The female will release eggs, which the male fertilizes as they are scattered across the tank. After spawning, remove the adults to avoid them eating the eggs.
Egg Care: Eggs typically hatch in 1–2 days. The fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
Care Tips:
Group Size: Always keep Zebra Danios in groups of at least 5–6 to ensure they feel secure and display natural schooling behavior.
Water Quality: Zebra Danios are hardy and can tolerate less-than-ideal water conditions, but regular water changes (20–30% weekly) are important to maintain good water quality and health.
Tankmates: Choose peaceful species to prevent stress or aggression, especially with their small size and energetic nature.
Environment: While Zebra Danios are hardy, it’s best to maintain a well-planted tank with areas for them to swim and explore.
Why Choose Zebra Danios?
Vibrant Appearance: Their striking horizontal stripes and lively colors make Zebra Danios visually appealing.
Peaceful Nature: They are gentle and non-aggressive, making them perfect for community tanks.
Hardy and Easy to Care For: Their tolerance for a wide range of water conditions and easy-to-maintain requirements make them a great choice for beginner aquarists.
Active and Playful: Zebra Danios are constantly on the move, providing entertainment and liveliness to your aquarium.
Conclusion:
Zebra Danios are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers. Their striking appearance, social behavior, and adaptability to different tank environments make them a favorite in the aquarium hobby. With proper care, these lively and colorful fish will thrive in a peaceful, well-maintained tank. Whether in a species-only setup or part of a community tank, Zebra Danios bring energy and vibrancy to any aquarium.