What size tank do zebra danios need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Danio rerio.
How many zebra danios in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if zebra danios are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many zebra danios |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 11 |
| 29 gallon | up to 16 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 22 |
| 55 gallon | up to 31 |
| 75 gallon | up to 43 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check zebra danios against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Fast swimmers: give them a long tank.
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, zebra danios hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for zebra danios
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Zebra danio likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as zebra danio.
Can zebra danios live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do zebra danios need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many zebra danios should be kept together?
At least 6. Zebra danios are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can zebra danios live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Zebra danio needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do zebra danios need?
64–77 °F (18–25 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can zebra danios live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Zebra danio likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Harlequin rasbora
- Chili rasbora
- Celestial pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
- Cherry barb
- Tiger barb
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.