ZEBRA

Introduction: • Species: Zebra Danio • Common Names: Zebra Danio, Zebrafish • Natural Habitat: Native to freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds in South Asia, primarily found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Physical Characteristics: • Appearance: Streamlined, elongated body with iconic horizontal blue and silver stripes extending from head to tail. • Size: Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. • Lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care. Habitat Requirements: • Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons, preferably larger for schools of 6 or more. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: 64-75°F (18-24°C). o pH: 6.5-7.5, slightly acidic to neutral water. • Aquascaping: Prefers planted tanks with open swimming areas; rocks and driftwood can be added for variety. Diet: • Primary Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on insects, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. • Supplemental Feeding: High-quality flakes, pellets, supplemented with live or frozen food like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. • Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per day, offering small portions to avoid overfeeding. Compatibility: • Temperament: Peaceful, active shoaling fish; best kept in groups. • Suitable Tank Mates: Compatible with other small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, and corydoras. • Incompatibilities: Avoid aggressive fish and fin-nippers. Care Level: • Difficulty: Easy; Zebra Danios are hardy and adaptable to a wide range of water conditions. • Health Monitoring: Regular water changes are crucial to avoid stress-related illnesses such as ich or fin rot. Breeding: • Breeding in Captivity: Fairly easy to breed. Females scatter eggs in plants, and adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. • Spawning: Spawns early in the morning; eggs hatch in 2-3 days. Fry can be fed with infusoria or liquid fry food. Economic Considerations: • Market Demand: Highly popular among beginner and experienced aquarists due to their hardiness and vibrant appearance. • Wholesale/Retail Pricing: Widely available at affordable prices, contributing to their common presence in aquariums. Sustainability and Conservation: • Wild Population: Stable in natural habitats, with no significant threats. • Aquaculture Efforts: Extensively bred in captivity, reducing any pressure on wild populations. • Regulations: No major trade or conservation restrictions. Conclusion: The Zebra Danio is a hardy, active, and visually striking fish that fits well in community tanks. Its ease of care, peaceful nature, and adaptability make it a great choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists. With proper care, they bring dynamic energy to any freshwater aquarium setup.