Zebra fish is a freshwater ray finned fish belongs to the family of Danionidae. It is a popular aquarium fish, native of South Asia, sold by the name of Zebra Danio. The scientific name of Zebra Danio is Danio rerio, it is a important vertebrate organism used in scientific research as a model.
The danio fish is popular for its regenerative abilities, can be modified by researches for transgenic tensions(strains). The interesting fact is here that it has sister group with Danio aesculapii, and Zebra danio is demonstrated by phylogenetic tree of closely related species.
Leopard Danio
The leopard Danio is also known by the name of Danio rerio. This fish is the man made artificial variant of zebra danio. As they are artificially bred of zebra danio, so its origin is also South Asia. They are calm and peaceful community aquarium fish, thrive with their variants.
The notable characteristic is, as both are Danio fish, zebra danio makes brilliant dither fish. Whereas, plays a vital role as a dither fish in community tanks.
Appearance Zebra Danio (Zebrafish) & Leopard Danio
Danio fish(zebrafish) is commonly know for striking colors and unique marking patterns. It’s a popular aquarium fish due to its small size and exquisit color appearance. Danio rerio is one of the attractive fish from the family of Danionidae. It has striking blue and purple horizontal spots starting behind the head, moves to the tail. This is a small size fish grows 2-2.5 inches long maximum. They feature same color fins with horizontal strips. This fish comes from confined areas of India and Bangladesh.
Whereas, leopard danio is completely different due to its golden color with dark spots. They are similar to Danio rerio just in genetic mutation and hybridization.It Is a meticulously beautiful color variant, amazing golden brown metallic base color with greyish blue spots. This is a small size fish grows 2.5 inches (6cm) long maximum.
In the early studies, leopard Danio was think as different specie, but genetic studies reveal that it is a spotted variant of zebrafish.
Characteristics of Zebra Danio (Zebrafish) & Leopard Danio
| Family | Danionidae |
| Origin | South Asia |
| Tank mates | Danios, barbs, loaches, tetras,molies |
| Tank size | 10 gallons |
| Care | Easy |
| Scientific names | Danio rerio, zebra danio, zebrafish |
| Maximum size | 2 inches |
Tank mates
It is discussed early that zebra Danio is a good beginner fish and their active behaviour make them the ideal aquarium fish. So it is generally advice that should keep those species which are matches to their behaviour and size to avoid conflicts. Finding Tankmates for them is quite challenging and demands some research on behaviour and natural habitat. Best considered tank mates for them are danios, barbs, loaches, tetras,molies.
Whereas, for leopard danio the great tank mates are other danios, ember tetras, rommy nose tetras. The potential target of zebra danio are guppies, bettas and angelfish they have long flowing fins.
Zebra Danio Tank Parameters
Danio fish and leopard danio are good beginner fish, they are active, quite hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, these fish found in slow moving pounds and rice paddies vegetation. The ideal tank size for this 10-20 gallons. It is considered that is best for possible size it provides. Tank should be decorate with the plenty of plants, and don’t forget to provide them with the free swimming space.
Temperature or pH level
Zebra Danio generally accommodate on surface, prefers to live in moving water. they can survive in the 5-12 dGH hardness of water. The best considered pH level for water is 6.5-7.0 with the parameters of 64-74 degree fahrenhiets. The parameters set for this is soft to hard water. It is considered that these are cold water fish. They prefer scatter light and free swimming space with vegetation. Moreover, the darker space enhance their color and gives them the more natural feel of habitat.
Furthermore, for maintaining the water conditions, you must have to the change water daily. While keeping fish one thing is very Important, is to good quality filters. These are sensitives fishes, water should not be polluted, environment must be clean and nicely maintained.
Feeding
These Danio fish, are omnivores they can eat variety of foods. Which includes insects, and plants matters. They feed on variety of high-quality of pellets and frozen foods.
Their diet should include protein and vegetable matters both things are important. They also feed on baby brine shrimps, tubifex worms and frozen dried food. Provide them with the sufficient nutrition to avoid deficiency, spread the food in the whole tank so that every specie will get a bite. Keeping any animal as pet not easy, but if one knows their diet and habitat then it will be easy of them.
Zebra Danio Breeding
Zebra danio is a popular organism for scientific research as mentioned earlier. This specie use as a model because they quickly mature and breed 100 eggs on a single time. During breeding males are slimmer, whereas females have rounded bellies. To encourage their breeding, monitor their food consumption and courtship behaviour. However, to protect the eggs decorate the tank with the pebbles, marbles and spawning material like java moss.
Whereas, leopard Danio breeding is quiet easy. They preferred to live in shallow water with fined leaves plants which provide safe breeding space for fish. Add at least 6 juvenile leopard fish in a tank, to facilitate this process slightly increase the temperature of tanks. Female deposit almost 100 eggs, which are fertilized by males. To protect eggs it is important to carefully remove the parent fish from the tank. After 2 days eggs will convert into fry and then will post hatch in the next few days.
Both Danio fish eggs will hatch in a few days, then you have to feed them with tiny food for faster and healthier growth.
Gender Differences
Both male and female have strips and pair of barbels. Females are generally larger than males, they are smaller. Zebra fish look like ship shaped, and females have larger belly. At the time of breeding females belly are full of eggs.
To sum up the whole discussion….
It is enough to say that zebra Danio(Danio fish) and leopard Danio are two active, attractive and beginner friendly fish. They not only add beauty to tanks but also plays important role in scientific research. Originate from South Asia and belongs to family of Danionidae. These small fish famous because of its easy care and compatibility with various tank mates. Moreover, zebra danio showcase their bold horizontal strips, while leopard danio are known for their striking spotted pattern. As omnivores, they need quality protein and plant matter to stay healthy, active and happy.
Thanks to their easy breeding, danio fish is commonly used in scientific research, which includes medicine and genetics. Furthermore, their energetic and schooling nature or behaviour makes them easy care fish in home aquariums. With proper diet, natural habitat, breeding needs, they can survive and bring enjoyment to any aquarium.