Cool Things to Make for a Zebra Danio to Put in a Tank

The zebra danio is native to the Ganges region in Eastern India. This attractive and social little fish is found in a number of habitats, including both fast- and slow-moving streams. The peaceful zebra danio is sought after by novice and advanced aquarists alike. The males of this species typically breed with only one female and the 300 to 400 eggs hatch within two days. The zebra danio is instantly recognizable by its five horizontal purple to blue stripes.

  1. Marbles

    • Zebra danios are an egg-laying species. The female drops her eggs in the water column and they will be fertilized by the male fish, which swims over them and sprays his milt or sperm. Under aquarium conditions, the parents, which should be moved to a separate breeding tank, will eat their eggs, unless precautions are taken. Marbles should therefore be placed on the bottom of the breeding tank. The eggs will fall between the marbles, out of the reach of either parent. Once the fry hatch, they too will be safe between the marbles, until the parent fish can be removed from the breeding tank.

    Aquatic Plants

    • The zebra danio is most comfortable when housed in an aquarium with numerous plants. These plants can be either planted directly into the substrate, or can remain in the tiny perforated, plastic potting containers, in which they were purchased. It's best to include tall plants, so the danios can swim through them at different levels. Plants can be arranged in a rough horse-shoe shape, starting along the right hand side of the aquarium and running along the rear of the tank. The plants can then continue down the left hand side of the aquarium. This arrangement leaves the front and center area of the aquarium, open for swimming. A space should be left between the plants and the aquarium sides, so the fish can hide if they want.

    Driftwood

    • Driftwood that has been blasted by sand and wind on a beach or eroded by water in a river or lake, makes for an attractive addition to the zebra danio aquarium. Driftwood will typically leach tannins into the water, which tend to make the water soft. Zebra danios are happy in soft water with a pH ranging from 6 toward neutral. Driftwood can offer areas where these fish can find shelter and escape the attention of more boisterous tank mates, if necessary.

    Colored Aquarium Gravel

    • Colored gravel can make the aquarium attractive. Blue gravel highlights the stripes on zebra danios and is pleasing on the eye. Aquarists must make certain that high-quality gravel is used, and it doesn't leach any color into the water.