DANIO LEAPORD 3.5cm

Leopard danio (Brachydanio frankei) is a spotted colour variant of the common zebra danio. It is a hardy, active schooling fish well-suited to beginners and community tanks. They are relatively easy egg-scatterers. They are among the hardiest and most forgiving popular aquarium fish when given space and a proper school.

NOTE: Longfin and other colour variants exist and have the same care needs. Their constant activity makes them excellent “dither” fish in community tanks.

TANK SET UP: Longer tanks are far better than tall ones. Planted tank with open swimming space in the upper and middle levels. Background and side planting (e.g., Java fern, Vallisneria, stem plants) works well; leave the front and upper water column relatively open. Dark substrate and some driftwood help show their colours.

A secure lid is essential —they jump readily, especially when startled or feeding.

TANK MATE: Peaceful community fish when kept in a proper school. Good companions include:

• Other danios

• Rasboras and small tetras

• Corydoras and Otocinclus

• Peaceful barbs (smaller species)

• Livebearers (platies, swordtails, mollies)

• Honey or dwarf gouramis

AVOID: Slow, long-finned fish (e.g., bettas, fancy guppies with trailing fins, angelfish) that may get fin-nipped or outcompeted at feeding time, as well as aggressive or predatory species. Small groups of leopard danios are more likely to nip; larger schools reduce this behaviour.

FILTRATION: Provide moderate-to-strong water flow, good surface agitation, and a turnover rate of about 4 to 5 times the tank volume per hour.

MAINTENANCE: Weekly 20–25% water changes. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 and nitrates low.

FEEDING: They feed mainly at the surface and mid-water but will chase food throughout the tank.

• Staple with quality tropical flakes or micro pellets. Supplement regularly with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and occasional spirulina. Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts