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Freshwater   Fishes

Zebrafish
(Danio rerio)

Zebrafish

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

Names

Scientific name
Danio rerio
Barilius rerio
Brachydanio rerio
Cyprinus rerio
Danio lineatus
Nuria rerio
Perilampus striatus

Common name
Zebrafish

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?

100 L / 22 imp gal / 26 US gal

Parameters

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

T°: 18 to 24°C or 64 to 75°F
pH: 6 to 8
Hardness: 10 to 20°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

5cm (1.97")

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 Zebrafish?

Food

How to feed the Zebrafish?

Omnivorous, it accepts all forms of food with preference for insects and live prey.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Zebrafish have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Zebrafish have?

Always on the move, it is very active and swims quickly. It remains peaceful, however. It is gregarious and must imperatively be kept with a shoal.

The benefits of this maintenance with 8/10 individuals has a lot of advantages. The first, will of course be, the well being of the fish that will be balanced, less stressed and its behavior will be more natural.

Also note that the presence of several males pushes them to compete with each other by reinforcing their beautiful colours in front of the females!

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Zebrafish?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Zebrafish?

The Zebrafish can live in a community aquarium with not too fearful fish. Indeed, its temperament stirring could hinder the calmer fish. This is typically the case of Corydoras, easily disturbed by this type of profile.

You can associate other small Cyprinidae, Tetras, Tanichthys, Ancistrus, Rainbow fish or even the japonica shrimp.

Breeding

How to breed the Zebrafish?

Breeding

How to breed the Zebrafish?

Pretty easy to achieve, it can occur spontaneously without the intervention of the aquarist. Nevertheless, to ensure the survival of a greater number of fry, you can dedicate an aquarium specially dedicated to their breeding.

The spawning tank (50 L or 13 gal) has a protective grid and a low water height (15/20cm or 6/8"). Prefer new water. The temperature is 22/24°C or 71/73°F and the pH is 7. Introduce in this tank 2 males and 1 female. It seems that a clear and sunny tank are reproductive benefits.

Encourage spawning by adding a small amount of freshwater each hour and feed lightly with live or frozen prey. The egg-laying includes more than one hundred eggs.

The parents and grill are removed after spawning, then 50% of the water is changed. You can treat the methylene blue eggs to prevent them from rotting, but it is not an obligation. Incubation lasts 67h at 27°C or 80°F. The fry grow best in a shallow water.

Feeding fry: infusoria, rotifers, artemia and cyclops nauplius.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Zebrafish?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Zebrafish?

Although its decoration does not play a determining role on its balance, the Zebrafish will be more comfortable in a luxurious aquarium and with a dark substrate. However, it must be developed a fairly large swimming area. The addition of some roots and floating plants will enhance the naturalness of its tray.

If the aquarium is placed in a temperate room, there is no need to heat it. Remember to cover the tray as the Zebrafish can jump.

Finally, it does not like aged water which will require frequent water changes.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Danio rerio

The Zebrafish is very popular in the aquarium because it is a fairly robust fish, cheap and easy to breed. That’s why it’s a great choice for beginners. However, its needs should be respected.

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

There is a veiled variety that must be avoided, as well as GloFish (genetically modified).

Danio rerio and Danio frankei have been synonymous since 2011 (in fact, we are now talking about Danio rerio var frankei). It should be noted that the Danio rerio stands out from the Danio frankei by its continuous lines.

Yours photos!

Image utilisateur

By Encyclo-Caro

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