Zebra Danio

Hardy, fast, and constantly moving. Zebra danios are great starter fish for a community tank and tolerate small mistakes better than many species when the basics are in place.

tankSize
40L (10 gal) minimum, longer tanks are better
careLevel
Beginner
temperature
20 to 25C
temperament
Peaceful to semi-active (can be boisterous)
diet
Flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional frozen foods
lifespan
3 to 5 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (schooling)
weeklyMaintenance
Partial water changes and basic cleaning

Best for

  • First-time fish keepers who want a hardy species
  • People who enjoy active schooling behavior
  • Community tanks with similarly active fish
  • Homes that can keep a stable filtered aquarium

Not ideal for

  • Very calm tanks with timid fish only
  • Tiny tanks with no swimming room
  • Overstocked aquariums
  • People who want a slow, relaxed display

Temperament

  • Active and energetic
  • Peaceful but can be a bit pushy with timid tank mates
  • Best in groups to spread activity

Daily routine

feeding: Feed small amounts once or twice daily.
check: Quick check for normal schooling and breathing.
enrichment: Provide open swimming space and good water flow.

Living fit

smallHome: Good fit if the tank provides swimming length and filtration.
kids: Excellent for beginners learning fish care routines.
firstTimeOwner: Often one of the most forgiving starter fish.

Health notes

  • Still needs clean, stable water even though it is hardy.
  • Avoid pairing with very shy species that may be stressed.
  • Quarantine new fish when possible.

Cost and time

time: Low daily time, weekly maintenance needed.
cost: Moderate setup cost. Ongoing costs are low.

Find the best fish for your lifestyle

Prefer a guided recommendation instead of browsing?

Find the best fish for me