Danios are energetic, peaceful freshwater fish that are loved for their constant activity, hardy nature and vibrant colours. From the ever-popular Zebra Danio to the stunning Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora), these active schooling fish are perfect for community aquariums and planted nano tanks alike.

Why You'll Love Danios

• Active schooling fish that bring life to any aquarium
• Excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists
• Many species are ideal for nano aquariums
• Peaceful and compatible with a wide variety of community fish
• Available in a range of colours, patterns and sizes

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Smaller species such as Celestial Pearl Danios and Emerald Dwarf Rasboras can comfortably live in aquariums from 30 litres, while larger species like Zebra Danios and Leopard Danios are better suited to aquariums of 60 litres or larger due to their active swimming behaviour.

Temperature

Most Danios thrive between 22–26°C. Celestial Pearl Danios and Emerald Dwarf Rasboras generally appreciate the cooler end of this range.

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: 6.5–7.8

Danios are hardy fish but still require a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

Filtration

Moderate filtration with good water circulation is ideal. These active swimmers enjoy clean, oxygen-rich water with gentle to moderate flow.

Aquascaping

A planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks and open swimming areas creates the perfect environment. Smaller species appreciate dense planting and shaded areas, while larger Danios enjoy open water for schooling.

Feeding

Danios are omnivores and readily accept a wide variety of quality foods.

• Premium micro pellets
• High-quality tropical flakes
• Frozen baby brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Bloodworms (occasionally)
• Live foods for conditioning and breeding

A varied diet promotes vibrant colouration, healthy growth and natural behaviour.

Suitable Tank Mates

Danios are peaceful community fish and are best kept with other calm species that enjoy similar water conditions.

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Cherry Barbs
• Dwarf Rainbowfish
• Peaceful Gouramis
• Shrimp (species dependent)

Larger Danios may eat newly hatched shrimp, while Celestial Pearl Danios and Emerald Dwarf Rasboras are often considered among the more shrimp-friendly fish for planted aquariums.

Popular Danio Species

• Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
• Emerald Dwarf Rasbora (Danio erythromicron)
• Zebra Danio
• Leopard Danio
• Giant Danio
• Pearl Danio
• Glowlight Danio

Danios FAQs

Are Danios good for beginners?

Yes. Many Danio species are hardy, easy to care for and excellent first fish for a cycled freshwater aquarium.

How many Danios should I keep?

Danios are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Larger groups display more natural behaviour and are less likely to become stressed.

Can Danios live with shrimp?

Many smaller Danio species coexist well with adult shrimp, although baby shrimp may still be eaten. Dense moss and plants help provide hiding places for shrimplets.

Do Danios need a planted aquarium?

While they don't require live plants, planted aquariums help replicate their natural habitat, reduce stress and encourage more natural behaviour.

Are Celestial Pearl Danios actually Danios?

Yes. Although they were originally known as Galaxy Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios are scientifically classified within the Danio genus.