Zebrafish, first introduced to Germany in 1905, are now an integral part of the aquarium hobby. It cannot be overlooked even in densely planted aquariums, because when it feels comfortable it is constantly on the move and brings a lot of movement into your underwater world. If you want to fully enjoy the charm of an aquarium, know that zebrafish only show their natural behavior in a larger group of at least eight to ten specimens. Even in nature, small schooling fish live in large family groups to be able to protect themselves well from enemies.
Zebrafish reach a maximum length of 6 cm, and fuller females are often a little larger than thinner males. The coloration of females is also less intense than that of their male companions. The small schooling fish gets its name from its four broad longitudinal bands on its sides, dark blue to blackish, which extend from the head to the base of the caudal fin. Depending on the light conditions, these longitudinal bands can also shine silver or gold – even the gill covers show this color pattern. The yellow-edged dorsal fin is usually dark in color. The anal and caudal fins are yellow with dark stripes, all other fins are transparent.
Our profile gives you all the information you need to know about zebrafish, their origin, behavior, feeding and reproduction, as well as advice on how to house and care for them in a fish-friendly way. There you will also find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Origin
The scientific name of zebrafish is Denmark rerio or synonym Rerio. Small freshwater fish belong to the genus Denmark and to the carp family (Danionids). In English it often is Zebra Danio or simply Zebra fish called, so that sometimes he also uses the name Zebra fish sense
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The original habitats of zebrafish are found in Asia, where it is found, for example. B. in the Ganges River area in Pakistan, northern India, southern Nepal or even Bangladesh. Its preferred habitats are slow-flowing or stagnant bodies of water such as: B. smaller streams, canals, ditches, ponds or rice paddies. The zebrafish available on the market today are generally small which, over the generations, have become perfectly accustomed to life in an aquarium suitably equipped for them. Small schooling fish prove to be quite easy to care for, so they can also be a good starting fish for beginners.
Behave
Zebrafish are schooling fish that live in large family groups in their original habitats to protect themselves from danger. Zebrafish are active, swimming fish that exhibit dynamic group behavior and are constantly on the move. Therefore, they definitely need enough space in your underwater world and the company of as many conspecifics as possible.
Fish-friendly accommodation and assistance
When it comes to fish-friendly housing and care, zebrafish prove to be relatively simple, so they can be suitable even for beginners, as long as they are offered an environment that meets their needs.
In the wild, zebrafish prefer slow-moving, often weedy waters. The perfectly set up underwater landscape for your zebrafish should therefore always have a lush edge planting with fine feathered plants such as: B. Java moss, but still offer enough swimming space for your active fish. The temperature in your aquarium should be between 22 and 28 °C, the overall hardness between 2 and 15 °dH and the pH value between 6.0 and 7.5. Sea almond, oak or beech leaves can lower the pH value in your underwater world and also have a beneficial effect on the well-being of your fish.
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The sociable schooling fish are considered extremely lively and active, which is why sufficient space and the company of as many conspecifics as possible are essential. Zebrafish should therefore only be kept in larger aquariums with an edge length of at least 100 cm and should be kept there in a group of at least 8 – 10 members of their species.
It is important to know that zebrafish are excellent jumpers and can prove to be real acrobats in this sense. To prevent one of your small schooling fish from daring to explore the environment outside your aquarium, you should ensure that it is securely covered.
Nutrition
Zebrafish are rather frugal omnivores and are not very particular about their dietary needs. Although they prefer live food such as: mosquito larvae, water fleas or Artemia, they are also happy with frozen or dry food. However, when choosing food, you should of course pay attention to high quality and make sure that your fish receive a balanced diet.
Reproduction and breeding
Zebrafish are free breeders who do not care for their brood. Breeding zebrafish is not that simple, but with the right preparation it can also be achieved in a home aquarium or in a separate breeding tank.
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If you want to try breeding, you should first put the female in the breeding tank and a day or two later place one or two male companions next to her in the evening – ideally if there is a good chance that the sun will shine the next day. Courtship and mating then begin at dawn in the early hours of the morning. The male lures his chosen one into the thicket of plants, which will later serve as a substrate for fertilized eggs. If the male is successful in courtship, the pair embrace each other tightly or the male even wraps his arms around the female. This results in the release of eggs and their fertilization.
You should therefore remove the parents from the breeding tank as quickly as possible or use a spawning rack, otherwise it may happen that the offspring are eaten by the egg-stealing parents. The very small larvae hatch after about 24 – 36 hours and then initially attach themselves to parts of the plants or to the glass of the tank. Once the yolk sac has been consumed, the larvae must then be fed with infusoria or very high-quality feed for ponds or dust. As soon as the fish swim freely, after another 3 – 4 days, you can feed them with Artemia nauplii.
Questions and answers about zebrafish
1. Which fish get along well with zebrafish?
2. How long do zebrafish live?
How old are zebrafish? If raised and cared for properly, zebrafish can live up to six years.
3. What temperatures do zebrafish need?
Your small flock of zebrafish feels most comfortable with a water temperature between 22 and 28 °C: lower temperatures are tolerated, but in this case reproduction is limited or not present at all. Zebrafish prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To maintain this value or lower it in your aquarium it may be useful to add sea almond, oak or beech leaves, which can also have a beneficial effect on the well-being of your fish.
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4. Do zebrafish eat each other? Are zebrafish aggressive?
Zebrafish are active but peace-loving fish that not only socialize well, but show no aggression towards their peers or other residents in your aquarium as long as all their needs are adequately met. This especially includes the company of like-minded people, as zebrafish live in large family groups in the wild. Therefore zebrafish should always move into your underwater paradise in a group of at least eight to ten animals. Because for example. For example, if they are only kept in pairs, the significantly slimmer male will start to chase the somewhat calmer female, which not only brings stress to the aquarium, but can also end up with the chased female suffering fin injuries. Even if these heal again and the fins grow back quickly, this should of course be prevented.
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