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Freshwater   Fishes

Leopard danio
(Danio rerio var. frankei)

Danio frankei

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Danio rerio var frankei
Danio frankei

Common name
Leopard danio

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: India
Biotope: Asian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The male is slender and more colorful. The female is more plump

Group

Group

Cyprinidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

120 L / 26 Imp gal / 32 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 18 to 23 °C or 64 to 73°F
pH: 7 to 8
Hardness: 10 to 20°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

5 cm (2 inches)

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

2 to 3 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Top and middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

8

Food

How to feed the Leopard danio?

Food

How to feed the Leopard danio?

Omnivorous, it accepts all forms of food. There is, however, a preference for live insects and prey.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Leopard danio have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Leopard danio have?

The leopard Danio is able to swim very fast. It is active in nature and is always moving. It remains in the category of peaceful fish. Gregarious, it must imperatively be maintained with a shoal. Indeed, it is by maintaining it with at least 7 of its species that it will feel the best and that it will have the most natural behavior. It will be less nervous, more balanced and its well-being will only be greater.

Finally, it will appear more colourful because the males of a group will compete for the attention of females by strengthening their colours, thus making them more attractive.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Leopard danio?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Leopard danio?

Of a very peaceful nature, the leopard Danio can perfectly live in a community aquarium.

However, its rather lively temperament could scare away more calm and fearful fish. Attention also to the species with big fins like the Guppies or the Fighters whom it could damage.

The ideal companions will be, for example, small Cyprinidae, grouse, Corydoras or rainbow fish.

Breeding

How to breed the Leopard danio?

Breeding

How to breed the Leopard danio?

The protocol is the same as for the Danio zebra. Breeding is quite easy to achieve, it can occur without human recourse. However, to ensure the survival of more young people, you can install a bin dedicated to their breeding (parents eat the eggs they find). The spawning aquarium (50 L or 13 Gal) will be provided with a protective grid and a low water height (15/20 cm or 6/8 inches are enough). Opt for new water. The temperature is 22/24°C or 72/75°F and the pH is 7. Place in this bin 1 female and 2 males.

It seems that a clear and sunny aquarium encourages breeding. If spawning is slow, stimulate it by adding a small amount of cooler water every hour and feed a little with live or frozen prey.

The female can lay up to 2000 eggs. Remove the adults and the grill after spawning, then renew 50% of the water. To prevent rotting eggs, you can treat them with methylene blue, but this is not mandatory. Incubation lasts 67h at 27°C or 80°F. Note that the fry will grow better in a low water level that you will gradually grow.

Fry food: infusoria, rotifers, Artemia and Cyclops nauplies.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Leopard danio?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Leopard danio?

Like the Danio-zebra, the leopard Danio is not particularly sensitive to its decor. Its ideal tank is nevertheless lush but with a fairly large swimming area. A dark substrate would be a plus. Also add some branches and floating plants to complete your decor.

If the tank is placed in a heated room, you will be able to do without the heating system of the aquarium.

Remember to cover the tray well because this fish can jump. It prefers new water: frequent water changes are to be expected.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

This species is quite robust, inexpensive and easy to breed. No wonder it is so popular in the aquarium! Beginners will be able to maintain the Leopard Danio without difficulty and so it will be a good starting choice.

When a couple is formed, it’s for life!

There is a genetically modified variety (GloFish), banned in some countries. On the other hand, you will find a veiled form of this species.

danio léopard voilé

Danio rerio and Danio frankei have been synonymous since 2011 (now Danio rerio var frankei).

Note that Danio frankei stands out Danio rerio by its points aligned (D. rerio has continuous lines instead).

Yours photos!

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