Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: schooling midwater.
Fish · Freshwater
Zebra danio
Danio rerio
The zebra danio is hardy, fast and very active. Its small size does not mean it belongs in tiny tanks: it needs swimming length and a group to behave naturally.
It is a good community species when kept with similarly active fish, not with slow species stressed by constant movement.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
10/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
40 L
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Midwater
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
Low
Aggression
10/10
Activity
Fast
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
Low
Speed
Fast
Predation risk
None
Expert calculator
Check whether this species fits your aquarium
Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Avoid
Mixes marked as high risk or not recommended in manual relationships.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Angelfish.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
primary
Bottom
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Conditional
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Zebra danio
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
T
Territory and cover
Prepare visual cover and calm areas if it will live with other species.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it feels safer in a group and usually uses the midwater area with coordinated movement. An insufficient group can increase stress and erratic behavior.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a strong social pattern and is more stable in adequate groups. In balanced communities it usually occupies the midwater area without causing major conflict.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Schooling Midwater
Community Fish
Small
Low
Moderate
None
Profile: midwater schooling species, with low bioload and primary use of the midwater area. It should be kept in a group to show stable behavior and reduce stress. Provide hiding places, visual barriers and enough room to prevent constant pressure.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
24%
Aggression
100%
Activity
78%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
24%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Angelfish
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Pterophyllum scalare + Danio rerio: activity level and swimming style may be poorly matched and cause sustained stress.
Siamese Fighting Fish
Conditional
Main risk: Territorial behavior
Review conditions
Betta splendens + Danio rerio: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
D
Dwarf puffer
Conditional
Main risk: Territorial behavior
Review conditions
Carinotetraodon travancoricus + Danio rerio: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
T
Tiger barb
Conditional
Main risk: Adult space
Review conditions
Puntigrus tetrazona + Danio rerio: compatibility depends strongly on group size and keeping social species in adequate numbers.
Relations
Avoid keeping with
!
Oscar
Not recommended
Main risk: Predation
Not recommended
Astronotus ocellatus + Danio rerio: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.
Essential care
Keep a large group, secure lid and horizontal space. It tolerates broad ranges, but that should not justify incoherent mixes. Avoid long-finned slow tankmates in small tanks.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
It breeds relatively easily as an egg scatterer. Adults eat eggs and fry, so breeding requires separation and tiny first foods.
Oviparous
Easy
Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.
Alerts and health
- Mantener en grupo
- Espacio para nadar
- Acuario tapado
- Corriente suave a moderada
Common issues
Ich
Podredumbre de aletas
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica
02
Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida
03
Es un pez muy activo y gregario
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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