Freshwater Danios
Energetic and easy - bring lively movement to your tank with our extensive range of Danios.
One of the world's most popular freshwater aquarium fish, Danios are incredibly hardy and highly tolerant of a wide variety of tank conditions and compatible species. Known for their constant activity, Danios add endless character and movement to any home aquarium.
Danios Care
Members of the Cyprinidae family, Danios are adored by beginners and experienced aquarists alike. These small schooling fish may not be as vibrantly coloured as neon tetras or as ornamental as angelfish, but they make up for it with their spirited, non-stop swimming and hardy nature.
A secure aquarium lid is essential, as Danios are fast, excitable and known to leap out of tanks. Despite their energy, they are remarkably adaptable and thrive in a wide range of environments, whether or not the setup is tailored specifically for them.
Popular varieties include the Pearl, Zebra, Gold Zebra and Leopard. Many are also available in Longfin varieties through our online aquarium fish shop.
Natural Habitat
Danios originate from South-East Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, as well as Southern India and Sri Lanka. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving streams, lakes, ponds, rice paddies and even temporary pools following rainfall.
Behaviour/Compatibility for Danios
Danios are highly social schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least five. Their rapid swimming may look frantic, but this is simply their natural, playful behaviour. Peaceful and easy-going, they get along with most community fish species. Because of their speed, they tend to avoid trouble even with mild fin-nippers.
Avoid housing Danios with large aggressive carnivores or extremely timid species. Excellent tank mates include tetras, small barbs, mollies and swordtails. These recommendations are far from exhaustive, as Danios are compatible with a very wide range of aquarium fish commonly found at our online fish shop.
Housing Danios and Aquarium Fish Tank Set-up Tips
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Tank
Most Danio species grow to around 5-6 cm (2"), with the exception of the Giant Danio, which can reach 10-15 cm (5.5"). The stocking recommendations below apply to standard-sized Danios; for Giant Danios, multiply the tank volume by three. Because they are fast swimmers, Danios prefer longer tanks with ample horizontal space.
| Recommended Max Fish Count |
Tank Volume |
| 15 Danios |
38 Litres (10 gallons) |
| 20 Danios |
45 Litres (12 gallons) |
| 25 Danios |
52 Litres (14 gallons) |
| 30 Danios |
60 Litres (16 gallons) |
| 35 Danios |
68 Litres (18 gallons) |
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Base
Danios are not fussy about substrate and will thrive over sand or gravel. When kept with other species, choose the substrate that best suits the tank mates, as Danios adapt well to almost anything.
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Foliage
Being surface-oriented fish, Danios enjoy tall plants and floating foliage that provides shelter and helps them feel secure. Driftwood and caves offer useful hiding spaces at night. Although they display brighter colours and improved behaviour in decorated tanks, Danios remain hardy and content even in minimalist setups.
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Water
Danios are adaptable and thrive in temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F). Depending on your climate, a water heater may be required. They prefer a pH of 6-8 and a hardness of 5-15 dH. Maintain these parameters with a reliable testing kit.
A gentle to moderate flow is ideal, and sufficient oxygenation is important, which can be achieved using an aquarium air pump. Perform water changes regularly (10% weekly or 25% fortnightly), clean the substrate as needed, and treat all tap water with suitable water conditioners.
Feeding and Care
Danios are primarily surface feeders, so floating or slow-sinking foods are ideal. They readily accept quality flakes and pellets but benefit greatly from natural additions such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. These foods encourage natural hunting behaviours and help promote good health.
We stock an extensive range of Danio-suitable fish foods, including flakes, pellets, live food and freeze-dried options.
Great reasons to keep Danios in your tropical fish tanks
- Danios are exceptionally hardy and forgiving, making them perfect for new aquarists and great companions for more sensitive species.
- Their energetic swimming brings life and movement to any aquarium.
- They are peaceful, social and generally too fast to be bothered by mild fin-nippers.
