Leopard Danio (Danio rerio var. frankei) Care Guide
A spotted variant of the Zebra Danio with spots instead of horizontal stripes on its body. Equally hardy and active, sharing the same care requirements.
Overview
Danio rerio var. frankei is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A spotted variant of the Zebra Danio with spots instead of horizontal stripes on its body. Equally hardy and active, sharing the same care requirements. Some experts consider it a naturally occurring morph of the standard Zebra Danio.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Danio
- Scientific name: Danio rerio var. frankei
- Origin: South Asia, India
Habitat
A spotted colour morph of the zebra danio (Danio rerio), originally described as a separate species before being shown to be a conspecific variant. Wild zebra danio populations occur in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins of South Asia in slow, clear streams and rice paddies.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 18-26 °C
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 5-19 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: top
- Compatible tank mates: Zebra Danio, Corydoras, Cherry Barb, White Cloud Minnow
- Avoid with: Betta, Slow Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: beginner