Danio zebra

Description

• Maintenance: easy
• Character: peaceful
• Water conditions: dKH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.5
• Dietary habits: omnivorous
• Size: <6cm

It belongs to the family Cyprinidae. It originates from the northeastern Indian peninsula, and lives in streams or even stagnant water. The water has a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and the temperature ranges from 18 to 24°C. In Europe it has been a resident in aquariums since 1905, and has many admirers among hobbyists. One reason for this, is the fact that it is an easy fish for beginners (and by "beginners" I don't of course mean ignorant or those who don't have the slightest idea of what an aquarium is!!) in its maintenance and breeding.

The length is 5.5 - 6 cm and males stay a little smaller. Their sex can be distinguished, apart from the size, by the fact that the females are less colourful and stouter. During the courtship period we also notice that the male's basal fin is longer. Their basic colour is bright blue, interspersed with golden-yellow horizontal lines starting from the gills and ending in the tail. These lines in females are lighter than in males.

An aquarium for these fish should be at least 60 x 30 x 30 cm, with a temperature of 18 - 21°C and pH 7. The hardness of the water does not seem to matter much. In the back we put plants that gain height and in the middle and the front make sure there is enough free space for the fish. Brachydanio rerio do not have high demands on water quality and are very lively, but also peaceful, suitable for a social aquarium. Other fish that can co-exist with them are some of relative size and just as lively as they are. They usually swim in the top third of the aquarium and it is essential to keep them in a group of at least 6. Only then do the males show their behaviour when it comes to mating. Suitable food includes, among other things, food in good quality leafy vegetables.

If you have a pair that looks ready to mate (and this is enhanced by adding fresh water to the tank), it is sufficient to put them in a tank with 10 litres of water, which should be soft, slightly acidic and at a temperature of 22 - 24 °C. They give birth in the morning at first light, and it is much better if the sun is shining during these hours. We should have a net at the bottom of the tank to protect the eggs from the parents. We leave about 200 - 300 eggs in the aquarium, which we make sure is dark, and they open after about 2 days (depending on the temperature).