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Freshwater fishLeopard Danio
Leopard Danio
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Flashy and fast, leopard danios add a lot of schooling action to any aquarium, and they get along with everyone. The leopard danio boasts instantly recognizable little spots all over the body, like a little wild leopard cat. A favorite for beginners, Danio rerio comes in several bred variations, and the leopard pattern is one of the most popular.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio rerio (leopard variety) |
| Origin | India, Bangladesh and Nepal (Ganges region) (captive-bred) |
| Care Level | Very easy, great for beginners |
| Temperament | Peaceful, very active |
| Adult Size | Up to 2" |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 64–77°F (often fine without a heater) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. ¾" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Danios are fast swimmers, so give them open swimming space, a filter, plants around the edges and a tight-fitting lid, since they jump. Make sure the tank is fully cycled (which takes several weeks) before adding fish.
Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Danios get along with most peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, barbs, corydoras and livebearers. Their speed can stress slow, long-finned fish like bettas and fancy guppies, and large predatory fish will eat them.
Good to know: Leopard danios are a spotted form of the zebra danio, once thought to be a separate species ("Danio frankei"). Danios are fast and jump when startled, so keep a lid on the tank.
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