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Fish guides / Zebra danio
Schooling fish

Zebra Danio: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup

A fast, hardy schooling fish that tolerates cooler water. Keep six or more.

Minimum tank
10 gallons
Temperature
64–77°F
Group size
6 or more
Adult size
2 inTop of the tank
  • Very active; a longer tank suits it better than a tall one.
  • Comfortable at room temperature in most homes.

Danio rerio. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.

How many zebra danios per tank size

The most you could keep if zebra danios were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.

TankZebra danio, kept alone
5 gallonToo small (needs 10+ gal)
10 gallonToo small (needs 10+ gal)
20 gallonUp to 13Plan this tank
29 gallonUp to 21Plan this tank
40 gallonUp to 30Plan this tank
55 gallonUp to 41Plan this tank
75 gallonUp to 56Plan this tank

What you need for zebra danios in a 10-gallon tank

A starting setup: 6 zebra danios in the smallest standard tank that suits them.

Your blueprint

10-gallon tank

6 zebra danios
Stocking level96% · Full
  • These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 71°F.

Equipment, sized for this tank

Tank: 10 gallons
Standard size: 20 × 10 × 12 inches, about 111 lbs when full.
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Heater: 25 watts
Holds 10 gallons at 71°F in a 68°F room.
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Hang-on-back filter: 60+ gallons per hour
Turns the tank over about 6 times an hour, for a heavy waste load.
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Gravel or sand: 18 lbs
Enough for a 1.5-inch layer in this tank.
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LED light and lid: 20 inches long
A lid cuts evaporation and stops fish and snails getting out.
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Starter supplies

Water conditioner
Removes chlorine from tap water. Roughly 1 mL per full fill; follow your bottle's label.
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Liquid water test kit
For cycling the tank before fish go in, and for checking water after.
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Thermometer
A heater's dial is only a rough guide.
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Gravel vacuum
For weekly water changes of about 3 gallons (25%).
See on Amazon
Tropical flake food
For your zebra danios.
See on Amazon

Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.

Zebra danio tank mates

These share a temperature range and temperament with zebra danios, with no warnings from our checks.

Use caution with: german blue ram, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.

Plan a tank around zebra danios

Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.

Open the tank builder

Zebra danio questions

What size tank does a zebra danio need?

At least 10 gallons for a group of 6. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.

How many zebra danios can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?

Up to about 13 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.

Do zebra danios need a heater?

Usually yes. Zebra danio does best at 64–77°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 10-gallon tank needs about 25 watts in a 68°F room.

What fish can live with zebra danios?

Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with zebra danios.