Danio Care Guides
Highfin Zebra Danios and Giant Danios are active schooling fish, but Giant Danios require considerably more swimming room. The gold and highfin Zebra varieties share the same basic care.
General Care
Provide a long, covered aquarium with open swimming space, planted edges, good oxygenation, and a group of at least six; eight to ten is preferable. Use a cycled filter and regular water changes. These energetic fish need suitable companions rather than slow fish that are easily outcompeted. Danios scatter eggs without parental care, so a separate spawning tank and protected eggs are needed to raise fry.
Tank sizes below are planning recommendations for adult care. Aquarium footprint, group size, filtration, and individual behavior can require more space. Use stable conditions within the listed range; avoid sudden changes.
Species and Variety Guides
Highfin Zebra and Gold Highfin Zebra Danios
- Scientific name / group: Danio rerio — ornamental long-fin strains
- Adult size: about 2 inches
- Temperature: 68–77°F
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness: moderate
- Aquarium: 30 gallons or larger; about 36 inches long
- Temperament: Peaceful but energetic
Aquarium setup: Keep a group with swimming room and a fitted lid. Protect the longer fins from nippers.
Feeding: Fine flakes, small pellets, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Tank mates: Use active peaceful fish with matching cooler conditions. Avoid fin-nipping barbs and slow feeders.
Breeding: Use a spawning mop or mesh to separate eggs from adults; remove adults after spawning.
Listed fish / animals: Gold Highfin Zebra Danio · Highfin Zebra Danio
Giant Danio
- Scientific name / group: Devario species sold as Giant Danio
- Adult size: about 4–6 inches, depending on species
- Temperature: 72–77°F
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness: soft to moderate
- Aquarium: 55 gallons or larger; at least 48 inches long
- Temperament: Fast, active schooling fish
Aquarium setup: Provide a long swimming lane, strong oxygenation, and a tight lid.
Feeding: Quality flakes or pellets with suitable live or frozen foods.
Tank mates: Choose robust companions; its speed and size can intimidate tiny or shy fish.
Breeding: Egg scatterer. Use a separate spawning setup with an egg-protecting base and remove adults. Trade names can include more than one Devario species.
Listed fish / animals: Giant Danio – 2 Fish
Species references and further reading
Ordering & Shipping
Orders must be placed by Sunday night to ship Monday. Check the individual product listing for available sizes, quantities, and shipping and live-arrival terms.