Zebra Danio Care Guide
The zebra danio (Danio rerio) is a hardy and energetic tropical freshwater fish widely kept in the UK. Known for its distinctive horizontal stripes and constant activity, it's a popular choice for beginners and community aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about zebra danio care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, breeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are small schooling fish native to South Asia. They are extremely active and spend most of their time swimming in the upper levels of the tank.
They are one of the hardiest aquarium fish, making them ideal for beginners.
Danio rerio
4-5 cm
India, Bangladesh, Nepal
60L (15gal)
3-5 years
Peaceful, active, shoaling
18-24°C
Omnivore (flakes, micro pellets, frozen, live foods)
6.5-7.5
£1.50-£3 per fish
How Many Zebra Danios Should You Keep?
Zebra danios are shoaling fish and should always be kept in groups.
- Minimum group size of 6
- Larger groups of 10+ are ideal
- They display more natural behaviour in larger shoals
Keeping too few can lead to:
- Stress and erratic behaviour
- Fin-nipping
- Increased aggression within the group
In proper groups, they are active, social, and entertaining to watch.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are adaptable but thrive in well-maintained aquariums with plenty of swimming space.
- Tank Setup: Provide open swimming areas, especially near the top
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel works well
- Plants & Decor: Include plants and decor around the edges, leaving space to swim
- Water Conditions: Neutral to slightly alkaline water is ideal
- Filtration & Flow: Moderate to strong flow suits their active nature
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable
A secure lid is recommended, as zebra danios are known jumpers.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Zebra danios are peaceful but very active, so tankmates should tolerate their energy.
- Good Tankmates: tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, loaches, and other active community fish
- Avoid: slow-moving or long-finned fish (like bettas or angelfish), which may be stressed or nipped
Their speed and activity can overwhelm more timid species.
Are Zebra Danios Easy to Care For?
Zebra danios are very easy to care for and are one of the best beginner fish.
They require:
- A proper group size
- A secure tank with a lid
- Stable, clean water
- A varied diet
They are extremely hardy and tolerant of a range of conditions.
Zebra Danio Price in the UK
In the UK, zebra danios typically cost between £1.50-£3 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Standard vs longfin varieties
- Size and condition
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are widely available and very affordable.
Where to Buy Zebra Danios in the UK
Zebra danios are widely available in UK aquarium shops, but many fishkeepers prefer sourcing them locally.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Improve survival rates
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Zebra Danios?
Yes - zebra danios are commonly bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible fishkeepers
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Breeding Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are relatively easy to breed in home aquariums.
Key Tips:
- Use a separate breeding tank
- Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Eggs are scattered and hatch within 2-3 days
- Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation
They are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care.
Common Problems with Zebra Danios
Fin-nipping behaviour, often caused by:
- Being kept in too small a group
- Boredom or stress
Jumping from the tank, due to:
- Lack of lid
- Sudden movements or stress
Stress or erratic swimming, linked to:
- Poor water quality
- Inadequate group size
Why Zebra Danios Are So Popular
- Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly
- Active and entertaining behaviour
- Affordable and widely available
- Suitable for cooler tropical setups
- Great for community aquariums
When kept correctly, zebra danios bring constant movement and energy to the upper levels of an aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least 6, though larger groups are strongly recommended.
No, but they can nip fins if kept in too small a group.
Not always-they can tolerate cooler temperatures, but stable conditions are important.
At least 60 litres, with more space preferred for larger groups.
Looking to Buy or Sell Zebra Danios Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're stocking your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.