Fish care

Zebra Danio: Complete Care Guide

Last updated: May 2026

Aquarium guideFreshwater
Summary

Structured care sheet for Zebra danio (Danio rerio). Validate every purchase with the free aquarium stocking calculator, parameter testing habits, and the species database table.

  • Cross-check length and temperature against the species explorer.
  • Track nitrate drift weekly once the tank has cycled.
  • Refer to the species hub for long-form tank mate essays.
Max size6 cm / 2.4in
Temperature18-26°C / 64–79°F
pH range6.5–7.5
Min tank size60 L / 16 US gal
Care levelEasy
TemperamentActive; may nip in tight quarters
DietOmnivore
Swim zoneVaries

Speed versus overcrowding

Zebra danios tolerate cool water and forgive beginner mistakes, but tight tanks turn them into fin nippers. Provide horizontal sprint length and a true school - fewer than six individuals often skitter stressfully at the glass.

Breeding and genetics

Wild-type stripes differ from GloFish strains; keep dye expectations realistic and avoid mixing long-fin variants with nippy tank mates that chase filament extensions.

See tank mate combinations tuned to temperament overlap.

Browser calculator stays free. The app only matters if you want several tanks, photos, and test history on your phone.

Get App-aquatic → Free stocking calculator →

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