Fin's Fish Guide
The Leopard danio (Danio rerio) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The zebrafish is a small cyprinid (Danionidae) from South Asia and is known worldwide as a popular aquarium fish and scientific model organism. The species has a slender, laterally compressed body with five to seven horizontal blue and silver-gold lengthwise stripes, to which the name refers. It inhabits slow-flowing to standing water in streams, canals, ditches, ponds and rice fields and lives in schools. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insects and larvae, and algae. Owing to its transparent embryos it is indispensable in genetic and developmental research. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Leopard danio?
The Leopard danio has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Blue and gold-silver longitudinal stripes; worldwide scientific model organism with transparent embryos.
Where does the Leopard danio live?
The Leopard danio lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South Asia; slow-flowing to standing fresh water.
How big does the Leopard danio get?
The Leopard danio grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Leopard danio dangerous to humans?
No, the Leopard danio is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Leopard danio edible?
The Leopard danio is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Danio
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Leopard danio?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Leopard danio is one of 12,519 species in the app.