Danios are a great addition to your freshwater setup. They come in several different varieties and colors and their peaceful temperament makes them suitable for most communities.
Most species of Danios remain on the smaller side of just 2 inches but the Giant Danio can grow to 5 inches. Keep this in mind when planning out your setup.
Danio Quick Facts
| Scientific Name: | Varies by Species |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
| Salinity: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 10 Gallon Minimum |
| pH: | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Max Size: | 2 Inches |
| Lifespan: | 4 Years |
| Temperature: | 62 to 78 ℉ |
| Origin: | Asia |
Danio Origins
Danios are native to South Asia and South East Asia. They are commonly found in streams and ponds where the water tends to have less current. With that said though, your Danio will more than likely enjoy playing in the currents you tank provides.
They belong to a march larger family called cyprinidae. Cyprinids, sometimes referred to as the Carp family, also include Barbs, Rasboras, Minnows and even the Goldfish.
Common Danio Species
A short list of the more commonly available Danios and their specific features.
Zebra Danio
- Max 2 Inches
- Min 10 Gallon Tank
- Peaceful
Giant Danio
- Max 5 Inches
- Min 30 Gallon Tank
- Peaceful
Glowlight Danio
- Max 1 1/2 Inches
- Min 10 Gallon Tank
- Peaceful
Rose Danio
- Max 1 1/2 Inches
- Min 10 Gallon Tank
- Peaceful
The Perfect Danio Tank Setup
- 10 Gallon minimum. Larger for larger Danio Species.
- Prefers plenty of space to swim with plenty places to hide.
- 62 – 78 ° F. Heat not necessary. Danios can adjust to most temperatures.
- A schooling fish that likes to be in schools of 6 or more.
- Proper filtration is required.
- Gravel or sand substrate.
- A tight fitting lid. Some species are known to jump.
Danio Diet
Danios are omnivores therefore require a balanced diet of both meat and vegetable based meals. Be sure to choose a flake or pellet food made for Omnivores. Supplement meals with brine shrimp and blood worms as treats.
Feed your fish two times a day no more than they can consume within 5 minutes or so. Any food that they don’t eat will sink to the bottom and both exaggerate the cleaning requirements but also increase the ammonia in the water. Water quality is especially important in smaller tanks or bowls.
Compatibility
Danios are a very active fish and love to swim around constantly. They are best suited for tanks with other active fish as they enjoy chasing each other. Although this behavior is peaceful it can be intimidating for the very timid fish.
Since most Danios are small they should not be housed with larger fish that can eat them whole. This of course does not apply to the larger species such as the Giant Danio which can do quite well in a larger species tank. The rule of thumb is to house your fish with other fish of similar temperament and size.
