Tips on Keeping and Feeding Zebrafish
The zebrafish is a freshwater fish originating from Asia and was first described in the early 19th century. Today the zebrafish, also called zebra danio, is an extremely popular aquarium fish, which scores with an attractive appearance and uncomplicated keeping.
Zebrafish Profile
- Scientific name: Danio rerio
- Origin: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Size: around 5 cm (2 inches)
- Life span: up to 6 years
- Aquarium minimum size: circa 100 litres
- Recommended water temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 – 78.8 °F)
- Diet: omnivorous
Characteristics of the Zebrafish
The most striking feature of the zebrafish are without a doubt the four dark stripes that stretch on its light, partly silvery shimmering flanks from the head to the caudal fin and to which it ultimately owes its name. The anal and caudal fins of the zebrafish are darkly striped and have a yellowish tint, while the rest of the fish's fins are transparent.
The elongated body of the zebrafish is flattened on the sides. The fish reach a length of about five centimetres, with female specimens being somewhat larger and stronger than their male counterparts. Apart from that, the sexes differ in that the colouring of male zebrafish is more intense.
In addition to the zebra danio, there is also the leopard danio, which differs from the actual zebrafish by its dotted scales. It is bred from the zebrafish and is not recognized as an independent species.
Life Expectancy of the Zebrafish
With good housing conditions and appropriate feeding, zebrafish can reach an age of five to six years.
Origin of the Zebrafish
The zebrafish comes from the Ganges region and is found in northern India as well as in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where it resides in stagnant and slowly flowing waters such as small streams, ponds or even on rice fields. In addition, there are now wild populations in the USA that are descended from farmed fish.
Keeping Zebrafish
Zebrafish are lively aquarium fish that are nevertheless extremely peaceful and are also a good choice for beginners in fish keeping. The fish are robust and, if kept well, are usually not very susceptible to disease.
The aquarium water should have a temperature of 20 to 26 ° C and a pH level between 6 and 8 for keeping zebrafish. To give the fish sufficient space to swim, it is advisable to use an aquarium with a capacity of at least 100 litres.
Setting up a Fish Tank for Zebrafish
Zebrafish need plenty of open space to swim, which must be taken into account when setting up their aquarium. The planting should be limited to the edge areas and the water should have a slight current. In order to prevent the fish from jumping out of the aquarium, it is also very important to cover the tank.
Socialising Zebrafish
The zebrafish is a peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least seven or eight fish. Socialisation with other fish is usually not a problem. Aquarium fish that are suitable as tank mates for zebrafish include various dwarf cichlids, barbels and tetras.
Breeding Zebrafish
Zebrafish are free-spawners. For reproduction, a pair which has previously been well fed is placed in a breeding tank. The tank must be densely equipped with delicate aquatic plants such as Java moss and should also have a spawning grid.
Since zebrafish are among the spawning predators, it is advisable to remove the parents from the tank as soon as they have spawned. Otherwise, it must be expected that they will eat the eggs and juvenile fish that have already hatched. It takes about two days for them to hatch. After a few more days, the young zebrafish are already swimming freely. The young animals are initially fed with suitable powdered food, which they should receive several times a day in small doses.
Zebrafish Diseases
Zebrafish are generally quite robust aquarium dwellers. Nevertheless, the fish can of course get sick from various fish diseases. These include the neon tetra disease, which usually occurs mainly in neon fish and tetras. In addition, the fish can also contract ascites, fin rot or fungal infections, just to mention a few.
As with other ornamental fish, the principle also applies to the zebrafish that the better the keeping conditions, the lower the risk of disease. Conscientious aquarium care, regular control of the water values and appropriate feeding are therefore of crucial importance for the health and well-being of the fish.
That being said, zebrafish sometimes have damaged gills due to over-breeding. Although this does not affect the behaviour of the animals, their life expectancy is shorter than that of conspecifics with normally developed gills.
Zebrafish Diet
The zebrafish is an omnivore and proves to be quite frugal in terms of its diet. In the wild, fish eat mainly small worms, crustaceans and insects. In addition, the fish also consume plant-based food.
Aquarium keepers can use high-quality dry food in addition to live and frozen food for their zebrafish. This is well accepted by the fish and guarantees a supply of all the nutrients that they need.
Aquaris Fish Food for Zebrafish
The high-quality fish food from the Aquaris range is ideal for supplying your zebrafish with all the nutrients they need. The products, such as Aquaris Flakes, are characterised by their carefully selected ingredients and their easy digestibility.
When choosing Aquaris you don't compromise when it comes to the quality of the fish food and you support the growth and vitality of your zebrafish optimally right from the start.