Long-fin Zebra Danio Care Guide
A selectively bred long-finned form of the zebrafish; flowing fins make it a slower swimmer best kept away from fin-nippers.
Overview
The long-fin zebra danio is a selectively bred variety of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, developed for the aquarium trade. Long-finned strains have been obtained through selective breeding programs alongside other cultivated forms such as golden, sandy, leopard and the fluorescent GloFish lines. The extended fins make it a slower swimmer than the standard form.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Danio
- Scientific name: Danio rerio (selectively bred long-fin form)
- Wild form described by: F. Hamilton, 1822
Habitat
The wild zebrafish is native to South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan), mainly in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins, in moderately flowing to stagnant clear shallow water of streams, canals, ditches, ponds and rice paddies. The long-fin variety is captive-bred.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
A long aquarium with moderate flow suits this fish, though the trailing fins mean flow should not be excessive. The zebrafish tolerates a broad temperature range.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium it accepts dried foods supplemented with small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, social shoaler best kept in groups of six or more in mid-water. Because the long fins are vulnerable, it should be kept away from known fin-nippers and very boisterous tankmates; calm community fish of similar size are preferable.
Breeding
Danio rerio is an egg-scattering, asynchronous spawner capable of frequent spawning, with females releasing hundreds of eggs per clutch and giving no parental care.