Origin
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a tropical fish that belongs to the family Cyprinidae, genus Cypriniformes. It is a popular aquarium fish commonly found in stores under the name Zebra.
The Zebra is native to the southeastern part of the Himalayas. It inhabits the lakes of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Burma.
The name "danio "comes from Bengali" dhani " which means rice field. This fish lives in lakes, canals, ponds, as well as in rice fields.
They were introduced to America probably by release or escape from fish farms.
Danio zebra food
It is an omnivorous fish. Its main food is zooplankton, insects, larvae, etc.In the wild it can feed on a wide range of "food".
In the aquarium is generally not a picky fish as long as it satisfies its hunger.
Can be fed with tubifex, daphnias, etc.live food is mandatory for increased activity and a surplus of food, it is recommended from autumn to spring, especially in the winter months.
Features Danio zebra
It is famous for the horizontal stripes on the side of the body that are found along the entire length of the body and are reminiscent of the large african animal.
The body shape is fusiform and the mouth is directed upwards. The male has the golden stripes and the female has the whiter belly and the silver stripes.
Zebrafish grow up to 6-7cm long in optimal conditions and around 4cm in captivity. In captivity it usually lives 2-3 years, but if provided with the necessary conditions it can even reach 5 years.
Breeding Danio zebra
During the reproductive period, the male must be present for ovulation. The female will lay at interale of 2-3 days several hundred eggs isolated in a few places in the aquarium or at the shore if it is in the wild.
Fertilized eggs become transparent, which is why this species was chosen for research. Development occurs rapidly, with most organs emerging within the next 36 hours.
Incubation takes place over the next 12 to 36 hours, depending on external conditions and temperature.
Soon the little ones start swimming and feeding. Their sex can only be determined by dissection. The determinants of sex are not clearly understood at the moment.
In large groups males mate with any available female. It is not yet known if there are any elements of attraction between the two. The presence of plants, even plastic ones, encourages spawning.
