Care
Hardy, attractive and active, this is an ideal species for the beginner. Zebra Danios must be kept in groups of 6 or more, due to their shoaling nature, and are often employed as "dither fish"; indeed their active nature helps to encourage more reclusive fish to venture out into the open. The tank should contain aquatic plants for cover, with an open swimming space provided in the centre. Can be kept with most other community fish, although long-finned species are best avoided, as are placid fish species which are easily disturbed by the Zebra Danios constant activity. Zebra Danios do best in water of a slightly cooler-than-average temperature, so be sure to choose tankmates accordingly. Golden and Long-finned varieties are sometimes available, and from time to time, imports of stunning wild-caught specimens are seen.
Feeding
Eagerly accepts most aquarium foods offered: flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia and cyclops.
Breeding
Fairly easy. A separate shallow breeding aquarium should be set up and furnished with spawning mops/Java moss or instead a substrate of sterilised marbles. A conditioned pair/mixed group should be added to the tank, and the temperature gradually raised to 26 °C. Spawning often occurs when the first rays of morning sunlight hit the aquarium, and up to 500 eggs per female can be laid amongst the decor. The adults must be removed from the aquarium once spawning has ceased, as they will predate on the eggs. After 24-36 hours, the eggs will hatch into tiny wrigglers and after a further 24 hours or so, they will become free-swimming. Infusoria is recommended as a first food.
