20 Best Zebra Danio Tank Mates
This guide is about discovering 20 compatible fish species that can successfully coexist with Zebra Danios in a shared aquarium. These tank mates are chosen for their non-aggressive behavior and compatibility in water conditions, ensuring a healthy and harmonious environment for all inhabitants.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra is a popular freshwater fish species known for its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature, making it an ideal tank mate for Zebra Danios. They thrive in densely planted tanks with gentle water flow and subtle lighting.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a balanced diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
These small, schooling fish bring life and color to any aquarium, with their iridescent blue bodies and bright red tails, making them a perfect addition to a Zebra Danio community tank.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetra is another freshwater fish that can coexist beautifully with Zebra Danios. Known for their unique appearance, they have a distinct red nose and a tail pattern resembling a checkerboard.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers a diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
Although Rummy Nose Tetras are slightly more sensitive to water parameters than other tetra species, a well-maintained tank with stable conditions will help them thrive. Their vivid coloration and unique display make them an eye-catching addition to a Zebra Danio tank.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish, also known as “Corys,” are a perfect bottom-dwelling addition to a Zebra Danio community tank. They are peaceful, active, and hardy fish that can coexist well with various species, including Zebra Danios.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Corydoras Catfish not only get along with other tank inhabitants but also help maintain a cleaner aquarium by scavenging the tank floor for uneaten food and debris. They are an excellent choice for any Zebra Danio community tank.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loach is an interesting and enjoyable fish species that get along well with Zebra Danios. They are nocturnal, eel-like bottom dwellers known for their unique appearance and playful behavior.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
These fascinating creatures are an excellent addition to a Zebra Danio tank, keeping the aquarium floor clean as they scavenge for leftover food and explore their environment. Provide them with hiding spots like caves or tubes to make them feel protected and secure.
Goldfish
Goldfish are one of the most popular fish species in the world, but they can be challenging to pair with Zebra Danios due to their larger size and ability to generate more waste. However, with proper care and attention, a harmonious tank is achievable.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters) for the first goldfish, 10 extra gallons (38 liters) for each additional fish
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of flakes, pellets, veggies, and occasional live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm), depending on the variety
If you choose to house goldfish with Zebra Danios, ensure that adequate tank filtration and water changes are maintained to cope with the higher waste levels. Monitor compatibility and intervene if necessary.
Honey Gourami
Honey Gourami is a small, vibrant, and peaceful fish species, making it an excellent choice for coexistence with Zebra Danios. They have a labyrinth organ to breathe atmospheric air, allowing them to adapt to various water conditions, further enhancing their compatibility.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys a diet of flakes, pellets, veggies, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Honey Gouramis add a beautiful touch to any aquarium with their golden-yellow appearance and gentle demeanor. Just be sure to offer them a planted tank with open swimming areas and hiding spots for a thriving environment.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are bottom-dwelling fish that can make fantastic tank mates for Zebra Danios. Known for their ability to help keep the tank clean with their algae-eating habits, these fish not only add diversity but provide utility within the aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; primarily algae, but should be supplemented with vegetables and sinking pellets to avoid malnutrition
- Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12.7 cm)
To maximize their happiness and health, provide Bristlenose Plecos with a tank that has plenty of hiding spots to avoid excessive stress. Their gentle demeanor and alga-eliminating abilities make them a welcome addition to any Zebra Danio tank.
Angelfish
Angelfish are beautiful and elegant creatures, well-suited for larger community tanks. However, they can be slightly tricky to maintain alongside Zebra Danios, as angelfish may be aggressive towards smaller tank mates.
- Compatibility: 2.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires flakes, pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, 7.8-9.8 inches (20–25 cm) in height
When housing angelfish with Zebra Danios, monitor their behavior closely and make sure the tank is large enough to accommodate separate territories. A heavily planted tank with hiding spots can improve their compatibility and minimize aggression.
Guppy Fish
Guppy Fish are a widely adored fish species due to their vibrant colors and easy care, making them a wonderful addition to a Zebra Danio community tank. They are livebearers, and their reproduction rate is quite high, so be prepared for a growing population.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (19 liters), 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) recommended for a group
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; mainly flakes and pellets, but appreciate live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
As Guppy Fish are generally small and active swimmers, they will coexist harmoniously with Zebra Danios, adding a splash of color and excitement to any community aquarium.
Molly Fish
Molly Fish are an excellent choice for tank mates with Zebra Danios due to their peaceful nature and similar environmental requirements. They are livebearer fish that come in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys a diet of flakes, pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), depending on the species
For an ideal Molly Fish environment, provide a lightly planted tank with open swimming spaces, and maintain stable water conditions. These vibrant, playful fish will enrich any Zebra Danio community tank with their charm and unique beauty.
Platy Fish
Platy Fish are an excellent option for a tank mate with Zebra Danios, as they share similar water preferences and peaceful temperaments. They come in various colors and patterns, which adds a vibrant touch to any aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers a balanced diet of flakes, pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)
With Platy Fish, be prepared for a growing population, as they are livebearers that can quickly reproduce. These colorful and active fish make for delightful additions to a Zebra Danio community tank.
Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish are fascinating fish species that can make great tank mates for Zebra Danios. Known for their transparent appearance, these captivating fish are a unique choice for any community tank.
- Compatibility: 3.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, but may also accept high-quality flakes
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Provide a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of hiding spots and low light conditions for these shy, timid creatures. When properly cared for, Glass Catfish will add intrigue and beauty to a Zebra Danio tank.
Discus Fish
Discus Fish are stunning and regal creatures that can add elegance to any aquarium. However, they are not the ideal tank mates for Zebra Danios due to their specific water parameter requirements and shy nature.
- Compatibility: 2/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (208 liters)
- Care Level: Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful, but shy
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter
If you still wish to house Discus Fish and Zebra Danios together, provide a large, heavily planted tank with stable water conditions. Monitor their compatibility closely and intervene if necessary.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are lovely, small schooling fish that make ideal tank mates for Zebra Danios due to their peaceful nature and shared water requirements. Their vibrant colors and active behavior add life and energy to any community tank.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Provide a well-planted tank with open swimming areas for Harlequin Rasboras to thrive alongside Zebra Danios. Their harmonious coexistence will result in a beautiful, active aquarium display.
Rosy Barb
Rosy Barbs are an active and colorful fish species known for their hardiness and peaceful nature, making them suitable tank mates for Zebra Danios. They add a splash of color and energy to any community aquarium.
- Compatibility: 3.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful, but may nip fins of long-finned fish
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
When housing Rosy Barbs with Zebra Danios, ensure adequate swimming space and hiding spots for both species. Monitor their behavior to avoid any issues, and maintain proper water conditions for a thriving community tank.
White Cloud Minnow
White Cloud Minnows are small, peaceful fish that make excellent tank mates for Zebra Danios. Known for their hardiness and unique look, these fish are well-suited for community aquariums.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
When housing White Cloud Minnows with Zebra Danios, provide ample hiding spots and open swimming areas. Their peaceful coexistence will create a beautiful and lively aquarium environment for both species to thrive in.
Black Skirt Tetra
Black Skirt Tetras are a popular fish species known for their unique appearance and peaceful nature. They can make great tank mates for Zebra Danios, although some individuals may exhibit fin-nipping behavior.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Generally peaceful, but occasional fin-nipping may occur
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)
To successfully house Black Skirt Tetras with Zebra Danios, provide ample open swimming areas and hiding spots. Monitor their interactions and intervene if any problematic behavior arises, ensuring a harmonious community tank.
Ram Cichlids
Ram Cichlids, also known as Dwarf Cichlids, are small, beautiful fish with a peaceful temperament, making them suitable tank mates for Zebra Danios. However, they have specific water parameter requirements, which may make their coexistence a bit challenging.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)
If you wish to house Ram Cichlids with Zebra Danios, maintain stable water conditions and provide a well-planted tank with hiding spots. Monitor their compatibility closely to ensure a thriving, harmonious environment.
Dwarf Rainbowfish
Dwarf Rainbowfish are vibrant, active swimmers that make excellent companions for Zebra Danios in a community tank. They share peaceful temperaments and adapt well to various water conditions, making their coexistence enjoyable.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons (57 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 2.8 inches (7 cm)
When housing Dwarf Rainbowfish with Zebra Danios, ensure that the tank has ample open swimming space and plenty of hiding spots among plants. Their harmonious coexistence will result in a colorful, lively aquarium display.
Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are small, stunning fish that can be excellent tank mates for Zebra Danios. They share many similar behavioral and environmental preferences, making them easy to coexist peacefully.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Provide a well-planted tank with open swimming areas and hiding spots to ensure a thriving habitat for both Zebra Danios and Celestial Pearl Danios. Together, they add color and liveliness to the tank, creating a beautiful aquatic display.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored 20 suitable tank mates for Zebra Danios to create a harmonious and diverse aquarium environment. When choosing your fish, consider their compatibility, water conditions, and requirements for a thriving community tank. Share your favorite tank mates in the comments!
