DANIO ZEBRA GOLDEN

The Golden Zebra Danio is a specialty bred color variation of the Zebra Danio and many are produced for the aquarium industry. Other common names they are known by include Gold Zebra Danio, Gold Danio, and Gold Zebrafish.

The Golden Zebra Danio has a slender, compressed body and a barbel at the end of each lip. These small fish reach lengths of only up to about 2 1/4 inches (6 cm) in the aquarium. Their progenitors, Zebrafish, are thought to be primarily an annual species in the wild, but captive-bred varieties can have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years, and some have lived up to 5 1/2 years with proper care.

This gold color morph of the Zebra Danio has had the blue stripes bred out, leaving it embellished with yellow-golden and white stripes. This fish should not be confused with the Pearl Danio Danio albolineatus, which is an entirely different species.

• Size of fish - inches: 2.4 inches (5.99 cm)
• Lifespan: 4 years - They have an average lifespan of about 3 1/2 years, though some have lived up to 5 1/2 years with proper care.

Foods and Feeding

Since they are omnivorous, these fish will eat most any prepared or live aquarium fare, though the food does need to float at the surface. They especially enjoy chasing after tubifex worms, whether living or freeze dried. These fish will do best when offered food several times a day, but offer what they can eat in 3 minutes or less at each feeding. If you feed only once per day, provide what they can eat in about 5 minutes.

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablet / Pellet: Yes
• Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
• Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
• Meaty Food: Some of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day - Offer only what they can consume in 3 minutes or less with multiple feedings per day.

Aquarium Care

These fish are not exceptionally difficult to care for provided that their water is kept clean. At least 25 to 50% of the tank water should be replaced once a month. If the tank is densely stocked, 20 to 25% should be replaced weekly or every other week. Aquariums are closed systems, and regardless of size, all need some maintenance. Over time, decomposing organic matter, nitrates, and phosphate build up and water hardness increases due to evaporation.

• Water Changes: Monthly - If the tank is densely stocked, water changes should be done every other week.

Aquarium Setup

The Golden Zebra Danio is fairly hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. This schooling species will spend most of the time in the top and middle regions, particularly if there is open water or water current. Though a school of danios can be kept in a smaller aquarium, they will do best in about a 20 gallon size. Provide good filtration and keep the tank covered to prevent jumps.

These fish are most effectively displayed in tanks with subdued lighting and a dark colored fine gravel or sand substrate. They like a well planted aquarium, and a variety of plants will make them feel safe. Some good selections include Water Wisteria, Hornwort, and Java Fern. As these fish are also extremely active swimmers, they will need some open areas for swimming.

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gal (38 L) - Though a school of danios can be kept in a smaller aquarium, they will do best in about a 20 gallon size.
• Suitable for Nano Tank: Yes
• Substrate Type: Any
• Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
• Temperature: 64.0 to 75.0° F (17.8 to 23.9° C)
• Range ph: 6.0-8.0
• Hardness Range: 2 - 20 dGH
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Moderate
• Water Region: All - They will spend most of their time in the top and middle regions of the tank, particularly if there is open water or water current.