How to Breed Zebra Tetras

Zebra danios, also known as zebra fish and erroneously as zebra tetras, are small striped fish that do very well in communal tanks. They are a popular beginner fish for the aquarium hobbyist, and not only are they simple to care for, they are simple to breed. Breed your zebra danios to get more fish or produce fish with more vibrant markings or color.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon tank
  • Glass marbles
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a 5-gallon tank with 2 inches of round glass marbles.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with dechlorinated water until the water level is 1 inch above the glass marbles.

    • 3

      Place at least two zebra danios into the tank. Because zebra danios are difficult to sex, place several fish in the tank to increase the likelihood of a mixed sex pair.

    • 4

      Leave the zebra danios fish in the tank overnight, or until you see one of the fish dropping eggs. The eggs fall between the marbles, where the cannibalistic adults cannot reach them. After a successful mating, it takes the fry between one and two days to hatch.