6 Popular Danio Fish for Your Aquarium

Posted by Anie Robert on December 6th, 2019

Genus of small freshwater fish and family members of Cyprinidae, Danios are native to the tropical rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. The adorable size and beautiful horizontal stripes on the body of Danio Fish attract the attention of the fishkeepers. In some countries, this fish is known as ‘Dhani’ because it is sometimes found in the water of the rice field.

Source: 16 Most Beautiful & Colorful Freshwater Fish in World (Care Guide Included)

Different Types of Danios

Both novice and intermediate fishkeepers like to keep hardy and passive-natured species in their aquarium. In that case, Danios are perfect choices for your fish home. But there are different types of Danios. You need to choose which one you want to keep in your aquarium. Let us explore the world of Danio Fish by discussing the popular Danios.

1. Zebra Danio

Quick Facts:

  • Origin: South Asia and Eastern India
  • Size: 2” (6 cm)
  • Lifespan: 5 years
  • Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 64-74°F (18-24°C)
  • Hardness: 5-12 dGH
  • pH: 6.5-7.0

Other names of Zebra Danio are Zebra Fish and Striped Danio. This fish is one of the common fish in Danio family that are active and social. It is great to watch its schooling nature when a school of Zebra Danios swims together. Zebra Danio has black horizontal stripes on its body from the top to the bottom like Zebra. So, it is known as Zebra Danio. Zebra Danio is very loyal and friendly to its tankmates. Most of the Zebra Fish are found in cool and deep rivers, so they prefer cooler temperature water.

2. Dwarf Spotted Danio

 Quick Facts:

  • Origin: Myanmar
  • Size: 2” (4.5 cm)
  • Lifespan: 3 years
  • Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 74-82°F (24-28°C)
  • Hardness: 5-12 dGH
  • pH: 6.5-7.0

Dwarf Spotted Danio is one of the smallest species in Danio family which can be kept in a freshwater nano tank. The name of this fish is according to its height and the small dots on its body. This pretty little fish is suitable for community tank. Moreover, it can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful fish. Avoid keeping it with fin nippers because Dwarf Spotted Danio is a small fish and the fin nippers can nip their fins or bully them. This schooling fish prefers living in an eco-friendly environment that is surrounded by green live plants.

3. Giant Danio

Quick Facts:

  • Origin: India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
  • Size: 4” (10 cm)
  • Lifespan: 5+ years
  • Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 74-82°F (24-28°C)
  • Hardness: 5-12 dGH
  • pH: 6.5-7.0

It will be better if you keep Giant Danio with large species because it can eat up the small fish and other species. Although it is a peaceful fish, try to keep it with large and correct tankmates, otherwise, it may feel annoyed and start fighting with other fish breeds. Usually they are orange and silver in colors and it is quite suitable in the tank of African Cichlid also. Don’t keep them in a small tank, otherwise they may feel suffocated.

4. Celestial Pearl Danio

Quick Facts:

  • Origin: Inle Lake (Hopong East) and Myanmar
  • Size: 2” (6 cm)
  • Lifespan: 5 years
  • Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 64-74°F (18-24°C)
  • Hardness: 5-12 dGH
  • pH: 6.5-7.0

For 100 years, Celestial Pearl Danio is a popular staple. The beautiful pearl-like bright color is the first reason that it is known as Pearl Danio. The bright white spots in its body are the second reason that it is known as Pearl Danio or Spotted Danio. Keep them in a community tank because these are the schooling fish and they like living in a group.

5. Rosy Danio

 Quick Facts:

  • Origin: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar
  • Size: 1.25” (3.2 cm)
  • Lifespan: 4 years
  • Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
  • Hardness: 2-15 dGH
  • pH: 6.0-7.5

The rosy light-pink color of this Danio Fish is the prime reason that fishkeepers call it Rosy Danio or Rose Danio. The other names of this fish are Purple Haze Danio and Purple Passion Danio.

If you are finding a beautiful and cute fish for your aquarium them this Danio is really an awesome choice because its color can bring gleams in your fish tank.

6. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Quick Facts:

  • Origin: China
  • Size: 1.5” (4 cm)
  • Lifespan:  5+ years
  • Tank Size:  10 gallons
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Water Temperature: 64-72°F (18-22°C)
  • Hardness: 5-20 dGH
  • pH: 6.0-8.0

Like Zebra Danio and Dwarf Spotted Danio, White Cloud Mountain Minnow is also a small and beautiful fish for freshwater aquarium. This fish also finds cool water to live comfortably. So, don’t keep any heater in its tank. Keep them with small-sized fish breeds that are similar to their size.

The above-mentioned Danios are popular species in the family of Danio Fish that are hardy and easy to care for. Moreover, aquarists like this fish for their beautiful appearance.

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Anie Robert

About the Author

Anie Robert
Joined: December 6th, 2019
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