The danio, or Danio rerio, is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Danio is surface-dwelling fish and is often found in schools near the surface of rivers and streams.
Danios are popular with beginner fish keepers because they are relatively hardy and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. They are also active and lively fish, making them interesting to watch.
Danios are common in the pet trade, and there are many different types of danio, each with its unique patterning and coloration.
Table of Contents
Here are 12 of the most popular types of danios:
- Blue Danio
- Dwarf Spotted Danio
- Glowlight Danio
- Black-Barred Danio
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Giant Danio
- Gold Ring Danio
- Zebra Danio
- Rose Danio
- Pearl Danio
- Moustached Danio
- Panther Danio
Blue Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio Kerri |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches |
| Lifespan: | Up to 6 years |
| Origin: | Ko Yao Yai in Malaysia |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Variable, Silvery coloration |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 73°-77°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-7.0 |
| Water hardness: | 8-12 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Blue Danio gets its name from its bluish coloration. It is a small fish that only grows to about 2 inches in length. The Blue Danio is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. It is an active swimmer and prefers to school with other Blue Danios.
Blue danios are primarily found in Ko Yao Yai in Malaysia. They inhabit slow-moving streams and rivers with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat is warm, with a temperature range of 73°-77°F.
They are hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They can be kept in fresh and brackish water tanks. The ideal pH level for Blue Danios is between 6.0 and 7.0, with a water hardness of 8-12 dGH.
These fish thrive in community tanks with other peaceful fish. They do best in groups of 6 or more fish. Blue Danios are active swimmers and prefer tanks with plenty of open space to swim.
A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended. These fish are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods, flake food and pellets.
Breeding Blue Danios are relatively easy. These fish are egg-layers and will scatter their eggs among plants or other objects in the tank. The eggs will hatch in about 24 hours. Blue Danios are not known to eat their young.
They are easy to care for and make a good choice for beginner fish keepers.
Dwarf Spotted Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio nigrafasciatus |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches |
| Lifespan: | 3 years |
| Origin: | Myanmar |
| Color: | Silver with a distinct blue stripe |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 74°-82°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.5-7.0 |
| Water hardness: | 5-12 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Dwarf Spotted Danio is a small fish that only grows to about 2 inches in length. It has a silver body with a blue stripe running down the center. The fins are transparent and have black spots.
The fish have a row of minor spoils along their backs. On the anal fin, there is a single black spot. Female fish are typically larger than males and have rounder bodies. Also, females have shorter fins.
They are native to Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 74°-82°F.
These fish are hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They can be kept in both fresh and brackish water tanks. The ideal pH level for Dwarf Spotted Danios is between 6.5-7.0, with a water hardness of 5-12 dGH.
They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They prefer to school with other fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. These fish are active swimmers and need plenty of open space to swim. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended.
Ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are known to jump out of tanks.
These fish are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods, flake food and pellets.
Dwarf Spotted Danios are easy to care for and make a good choice for beginner fish keepers.
Glowlight Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio choprae |
| Size: | Up to 1.2 inches |
| Lifespan: | upto 6 years |
| Origin: | Northern Myanmar |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Gold, Brown, Yellow, and Red patterns include spots, bars, and stripes |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 66°-75°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-7.0 |
| Water hardness: | 5-10 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Glowlight Danio is a small fish that only grows to about 1.2 inches in length. It has a gold or silver body with brown, yellow, or red patterns. The fish’s body is covered in spots, bars, and stripes. These fish have a long and slender body with a pointed head. The fins are transparent and have black spots.
They are native to Northern Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 66 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
These fish are hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They can be kept in both fresh and brackish water tanks. The ideal pH level for glowlight danios is between 6.0 and 7.0, with a water hardness of 5-19 dGH.
They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They prefer to school with other fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. These fish are active swimmers and need plenty of open space to swim. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended.
Add vegetation and rocks to the tank to provide hiding places for these shy fish.
These fish are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
These fish are lively and docile, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Black-Barred Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio absconditus |
| Size: | Up to 3 inches |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
| Origin: | Myanmar |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Gray-brown with black bars |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 64°-79°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Black-Barred Danio is a small fish that only grows to about 3 inches in length. It has a gray-brown body with black bars.
Black-Barred Danios are native to Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 64°-79°F.
These fish are hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They can be kept in both fresh and brackish water tanks. The ideal pH level for black-barred danios is between 6.0-7.5, with a water hardness of 5-15 dGH.
They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. These fish are active swimmers and need plenty of open space to swim. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended.
These fish are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
Black-barred danios are hardy and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Celestial Pearl Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio margaritatus |
| Size: | Up to 1 inch |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
| Origin: | Myanmar |
| Temperament: | Peaceful, Timid |
| Color: | White spots and red fins |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 73°-79°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Medium |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The celestial pearl danio is a small fish that only grows to about 1 inch in length. It has a white body with spots and red fins.
The Celestial pearl danio, also known as the galaxy rasbora, is native to Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 73°-79°F.
However, this type of danio gained much popularity due to its attractive coloration.
The fish have a blunt snout, and their bodies are covered with large, iridescent scales. They have a base color of pale blue, and their fins are accented with red and orange.
The celestial pearl danio is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. However, they are timid and maybe bullied by more aggressive tank mates. These fish should be kept in groups of 6 or more.
A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for celestial pearl danios.
These fish are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
They are easy to care for, but their timid nature makes them better suited for experienced fish keepers.
Giant Danio
| Scientific name: | Devario aequipinnatus |
| Size: | Up to 4 inches |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
| Origin: | India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Gold with blue stripes and spots |
| Tank size: | Minimum 20 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 72°-81°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Water hardness: | 5-19 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Giant Danio is a larger species of danio that can grow up to 4 inches in length. It has a gold body with blue stripes and spots. The tail of the Giant Danio is forked. The fins are clear with a tinge of blue.
They are native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 72°-81°F.
These are the largest danios available in the aquarium trade. They are active fish that need plenty of space to swim. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for giant danios.
Giant Danios are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
These schooling fish are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Gold Ring Danio
| Scientific name: | Brachydanio tinwini |
| Size: | Up to 1 inch |
| Lifespan: | 3 years |
| Origin: | Myanmar |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Variable, silvery coloration |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 64°-80°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5 to 15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The gold ring danio is a small fish that only grows to about 1 inch in length. It has a silvery body with some variable coloration. The fins are clear with a tinge of blue. The fins are also translucent and have a gold ring around the edge.
Their body shape is similar to that of a minnow, and they have a long life expectancy for such a small fish.
They are a newly discovered species that is native to Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 64°-80°F.
They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for gold ring danios. They are active and swim in the upper levels of the tank. A spacious tank allows the fish to swim and play without being cramped. They don’t uproot or disturb live plants in the aquarium.
Gold ring danios are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
These schooling fish are energetic and easy to care for, making them good for beginner fish keepers.
Zebra Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio rerio |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
| Origin: | South and Southeast Asia |
| Temperament: | Peaceful, sometimes aggressive (fin nippers) |
| Color: | Silver with blue stripes |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 64°-74°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.5-7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5-12 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Zebra Danio is a small freshwater fish that only grows to about 2 inches in length. It has a silver body with blue stripes running horizontally along its sides.
The caudal fin (tail fin) is forked, and the fins are transparent. Several color morphs of the fish are available in the aquarium trade, including albino, gold, and leopard. There are also selectively bred variations, such as the longfin zebra danio.
They are native to South and Southeast Asia. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 64°-74°F.
They are hardy and thrive in a wide range of conditions. They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Zebra Danios.
They are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
Although Zebra Danios are social, they are not always compatible with other fish. They may nip at the fins of long-finned or slow-moving fish. Keep Zebra Danios with other peaceful fish similar in size and activity level.
They are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers. However, they have known fin nippers and may harass other tank mates if they are not kept in a school.
Rose Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio roseus |
| Size: | 1.5 inches |
| Lifespan: | 3 years |
| Origin: | Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Pink, iridescent |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 68°-77°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.5-7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Rose Danio is a small freshwater fish that only grows to about 1.5 inches in length. It has a pink, iridescent body with blue stripes running horizontally along its sides. Its attractive pink coloration makes it a popular choice for aquariums.
They are native to Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 68°-77°F.
They are hardy and thrive in a wide range of conditions. They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Rose Danios.
They are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
They enjoy swimming against a current, so a filter with a strong flow is recommended. They are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish similar in size and activity level. Ideal tank mates for Rose Danios include other Danios, Tetras, and Rasboras.
Rose Danios are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Pearl Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio albolineatus |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
| Origin: | Sumatra, Myanmar, and Thailand |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Variable, brown, yellow, or pink coloration, orange stripe, iridescent |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 68°-77°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Water hardness: | 5-19 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Pearl Danio is a small freshwater fish that only grows to about 2 inches in length. It has a variable coloration, ranging from brown to pink, with an orange stripe running horizontally along its sides. Its iridescent body makes it a popular choice for aquariums.
The Pearl Danio’s most defining feature is the string of pearls that run along its body. These pearls are tiny scales that have a reflective surface. The reflection of light on these scales creates the illusion of a string of pearls.
They are native to Sumatra, Myanmar, and Thailand. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 68°-77°F.
They suit community tanks and do well in a wide range of conditions. They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for pearl danios.
Pearl Danios are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
Improve oxygen levels with a filter that has a strong flow. Pearl Danios are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish similar in size and activity level.
These danios are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Moustached Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio dangila |
| Size: | Up to 6 inches |
| Lifespan: | 4 years |
| Origin: | India and Nepal |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Color: | Silver brown, snakeskin patterning |
| Tank size: | Minimum 20 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 60°-75°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| PH level: | 6.0-7.5 |
| Water hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The moustached Danio is a small freshwater fish that only grows to about 6 inches in length. It has a silver brown coloration with snakeskin patterning. The moustached Danio is a popular choice for aquariums because of its peaceful temperament and ease of care.
The fish gets its name from its unusually long barbels, which resemble a mustache. These Barbels are used to help the fish find food in murky water.
They are native to India and Nepal. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 60°-75°F.
Moustached Danios suit community tanks and do well in various conditions. They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for Moustached Danios.
They are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
They are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish similar in size and activity level. These danios are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Ensure the tank has a secure lid because these fish are known to jump.
Panther Danio
| Scientific name: | Danio aesculapii |
| Size: | Up to 1 inches |
| Lifespan: | 4 years |
| Origin: | Myanmar (Burma) |
| Temperament: | Peaceful, fin nippers |
| Color: | Silver iridescent, snake-like markings |
| Tank size: | Minimum 10 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 71°-80°F |
| Water type: | Freshwater |
| pH level: | 6.8 to 7.2 |
| Water hardness: | 5 to 15 dGH |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Panther Danio is a small freshwater fish that only grows to about 1 inches in length. It has a silver iridescent coloration with snake-like markings. The Panther Danio is a popular choice for aquariums because of its peaceful temperament and ease of care.
The Panther Danio is a torpedo-shaped fish with a long, slender body. It gets its name from its similarity to the big cats of the same name.
They are native to Myanmar (Burma). They inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with plenty of plants and hiding places. The water in their natural habitat has a temperature range of 71°-80°F.
They suit community tanks and do well in a wide range of conditions. They are a schooling fish that needs to be kept in groups of 6 or more. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Panther Danios.
They are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food. They should be fed a diet of small live or frozen foods and flake food and pellets.
They are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish similar in size and activity level. These danios are energetic and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner fish keepers.
Choosing & Caring For Different Types Of Danios
Danios are attractive, easy-to-care-for fish that make a great addition to almost any freshwater aquarium. These active little fish are perfect for beginning aquarists and experienced hobbyists alike.
However, danios need to be in a community tank with other fish compatible in size and temperament. It is also important to note that some danios can be fin nippers, so keep an eye on them if you put them in a tank with fish that have long fins.
When choosing danios for your aquarium, it is essential to select healthy fish and have a good appetite. Danios are relatively hardy fish, but they can be susceptible to diseases if they are stressed, or their water is not maintained correctly.
Different types of danios can live in various habitats, so it is important to choose fish that will be compatible with the other fish in your tank. For example, some danios prefer warmer water while others do better in cooler water.
It is also essential to consider the size of your danios when choosing other fish for your tank. Some danios can grow quite large, while others stay relatively small.
I hope you enjoyed this article on the different types of danios. Now that you know more about these popular aquarium fish, you can decide which ones are right for your tank. Thanks for reading!
