Zebra Danio - Submitted by d9hp

[fishfreek]

[center:312b147671]Zebra Danio[/center:312b147671]

Written by d9hp

The Zebra Danio is a wonderful freshwater fish. It is one of the most lively and exciting fish to own. The fish is a great schooling fish as well, and will chase its own kind throughout the water; this is most often mistaken as fighting.

The Scientific name for this species is Brachydanio rerio. This fish is a wonderful community fish getting along with most fish of about the same size. Fully grown they range in size from 2 to 3 inches. They are normally a silver or golden color, with blue and purple lines stretching the length of their bodies.

The species is most likely found in a planted community, where is has ample space and a place to retreat. Although this fish is normally found in this environment, it is not at all needed. In fact the Zebra Danio does not need extremely demanding conditions. They can survive a pH range from 6.2 to around 7.6. The temperature in the tank can range from 68-78 degrees.

This fish is very available and sold in most pet stores. It makes a great beginner fish but is also appealing to the veteran aquarists.

Breeding the Zebra Danio is not as hard as many people think it. Many times the fish breed when given the right conditions, even when it is not intentional. The best way to do this is by placing a dozen or so danios into a small tank, with shallow water. A substrate of marbles is wonderful since the eggs will fall in between, saving them from being eaten. Once the eggs have been laid, remove the danios and place an airstone in the bottom of the tank.

Links:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=941

http://www.aquariacentral.com/fishinfo/fresh/zdanio.htm

http://userpages.umbc.edu/~rrhudy1/danio.htm

 

[d9hp]

If any of you guys feel any of this information is wrong, or want to add to it, by all means do it!

Forgot to say, anyone can post one of these, to either Aaron or Kevin. They will then reveiw it, if it is good, they will post it. You will then receive 25! Kudos. This is a great way to earn some free points! Just be careful not to plagiarize.

 

[Zic]

I love my Zebra Danios! They are always moving. Peaceful, active and hardy, what more can you ask for in a fish (inexpensive, too )?

 

[wabyrd]

These fish are VERY active. Make sure that as much of the aquarium is covered as possible or they will commit suicide. I've had 2 jump out where my filter (Emperor 280) is inserted, but I can't make that hole any smaller. They are fun to watch though and stick very close together if you have a few of them.

 

[d9hp]

Mine have yet to carpet surf on me, but we will see how they do.

 

[i3k]

I got 3 and they just chase each other around the tank and settle down a bit once the lights go off. They are crazy when I feed them, as soon as the first flake hits the water they bullet their way to the surface and attack the flakes before they even start sinking

 

[Crow]

I've got two, a male and a female. The male is smaller and has a pretty yellowish tint to it. The female chases the male a little, and occasionally my green tiger barbs who don't seem to mind too much. The male is much more laid back, but still quite active. Hopefully I'll be adding four more soon, so I can watch them school.

 

[Dr.Danio]

Hey! This is my first post on the boards because I just had to add to the Danio conversation. I'm Currently a Grad student at Lehigh University working with over 5000 Zebrafish. They are some of the cutest little buggers ever, and I love working with them. We study regeneration, the uncanny ability of the zebrafish to regrow its fins, and the effects of different mutations (long fin, short fin, oceolot) on this process. They don't look like it at first glance, but these tiny fish are on the leading edge of molecular genetic studies. Anyone that needs advice on breeding Danios, I'm a pro. Just got a few dozen clutches of 300-400 eggs each. Feel free to PM me with any questions, i hope i can handle them.

 

[Terry]

Dr. Danio

I would be curious to know how you are breeding these danio's, i did it a while back and i have resently discussed this on the forum but it is nice to get other ideas on this. I use 3 differant methods, i have used single pairs and i have also done this in groups. i have also tried it with a gravel bottom, a marble bottom in the breeding tank and i have also used a net which i have place across the tank for the eggs to drop through and the danio's cant get to the eggs. i would be really interested to know your methods. Also i would be interested in the mutations side of this.

many thanks.