Longfin Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) – Tank-Bred

Species Overview The Longfin Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) combines the familiar striped pattern and energetic personality of the classic Zebra Danio with dramatically extended fins that create extra movement as the fish swims. Alternating blue-black and metallic silver-gold horizontal stripes run along the body, while the elongated fins give this selectively bred form a noticeably more graceful appearance than the standard-fin Zebra Danio. Longfin Zebra Danios are hardy, active schooling fish that spend much of the day swimming and interacting with one another. Their adaptability and willingness to accept a wide variety of foods make them an approachable choice for newer aquarists, while their constant activity and flowing fins give established community aquariums plenty of visual interest. Aquatic Arts offers both Tank-Bred and USA Bred Longfin Zebra Danios, depending on the selection purchased. What We Love About This Fish Long, flowing fins transform the familiar Zebra Danio into a more dramatic display fish while retaining its characteristic striped pattern. Active schooling behavior creates constant movement as the fish swim, chase, and interact throughout the aquarium. Hardy and adaptable, making Longfin Zebra Danios an excellent choice for newer aquarists as well as established community aquariums. Tank-Bred and USA Bred selections provide customers with a choice of captive-bred sources. Excellent planted-community fish that brings movement to open swimming areas while contrasting beautifully against live plants and natural hardscape. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Danio rerio Common Name: Longfin Zebra Danio Source: Tank-Bred or USA Bred (Varies by Selection) Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm) Average Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 Inches (5–6.4 cm), making Longfin Zebra Danios small fish that still need plenty of swimming room due to their activity level. Care Level: Easy. Longfin Zebra Danios are hardy and adaptable when maintained in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Temperament: Peaceful and Active. Their energetic behavior works best with similarly active community fish that will not be overwhelmed by a fast-moving school. Diet: Omnivore. A varied diet of quality prepared, frozen, and live foods supports healthy growth, coloration, and activity. Schooling: Yes. Longfin Zebra Danios should be maintained in a group so they can display natural schooling and social behavior. Activity Level: Very Active. These energetic fish need plenty of open horizontal swimming space despite their relatively small adult size. Aquarium Level: Upper to Midwater. Longfin Zebra Danios spend much of the day actively swimming through the upper half of the aquarium. Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 Gallons Long. Horizontal swimming space is particularly important for an active school of Longfin Zebra Danios. Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 Years with proper care. Lid Requirement: Secure Lid Recommended. Longfin Zebra Danios are active swimmers and capable jumpers, especially when startled. Aquatic Arts Tip Think about swimming length rather than gallons alone when choosing an aquarium for Longfin Zebra Danios. A longer aquarium gives the school room to move naturally while planted areas along the sides and back provide places to retreat when needed. Tank Requirements Longfin Zebra Danios are adaptable fish that thrive in clean, stable water with good oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space. Their active schooling behavior makes aquarium length and water quality especially important. Water Parameters Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Longfin Zebra Danios prefer slightly cooler conditions than many tropical community fish. pH: 6.5–7.5. Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water works well when conditions remain stable. General Hardness (GH): 5–15 dGH. Soft to moderately hard water is well suited to this adaptable species. Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3–10 dKH. Moderate buffering helps maintain stable water chemistry. Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Below 20 ppm preferred. Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 Gallons Long. The longer footprint provides valuable horizontal swimming room for an active school. Filtration: Moderate. Reliable biological filtration keeps the water clean while providing gentle circulation. Water Flow: Moderate. Longfin Zebra Danios enjoy moving water but should also have calmer areas where their extended fins are not constantly fighting the current. Oxygenation: Moderate to High. Good surface agitation helps maintain the oxygen-rich conditions these active fish prefer. Aquarium Maturity: Fully cycled and established. Stable biological filtration protects the school from sudden changes in water quality. Aquatic Plants: Recommended. Plants around the perimeter provide security while preserving open swimming space through the center. Lighting: Low to Moderate. Standard aquarium lighting works well, particularly when balanced with planted or shaded areas. Aquatic Arts Tip Longfin Zebra Danios have the same energetic nature as standard Zebra Danios but considerably more finnage. Provide good circulation without excessive current so the fish receive excellent oxygenation while still having areas where they can swim comfortably without their long fins working against strong flow.