One of the simplest freshwater fish species to find tank mates for are zebra danios. They are easygoing fish that gets along with just about any other fish in their tank. Naturally, not all fish are great zebra danio tank mates. It is best to choose types whose requirements for water temperature, pH, and other tank factors are similar.
You’ll want your zebra danio to enjoy being around peaceful and stress-free tank mates, so these are the fish to consider for that.
1. Cardinal Tetra
The cardinal tetra, with its stunning red underside and gleaming blue and green stripe running down its body, is a well-liked addition to any tank. They are shoaling fish, so it’s best to have a few other cardinal tetras in the tank for them to hang out with.
When it comes to diet, in addition to prepared flakes and pellets, carnivorous cardinal tetras also prefer protein-rich live or frozen food. They are one of the best zebra danio tank mates as they prefer similar temperatures. As a cardinal owner, you will get to enjoy them for up to four years.
2. Clown Pleco
The clown pleco is one of the most perfect zebra danio tank mates. It is little, placid, and loves to hang out by itself at the bottom of your aquarium. So you won’t find them picking fights with any of your zebra danios. Clown plecos’ colors vary, but their most common banding is dark black and white or orange.
Even though clown plecos are omnivorous, their diet mainly consists of algae and wood. Therefore, adding driftwood to your tank is a good idea for them to snack on. These beautiful creatures can live for as long as 10 years and only require temperatures of 73-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Corydoras Catfish
Cory catfish are small, calm, and laid-back fish that can live happily in a variety of water conditions. They make fantastic zebrafish tank mates. Corys even contribute to tank cleanliness by consuming uneaten food at the bottom. They are usually not a nuisance to your zebra danios, who swim at the top of the tank, while cory catfish prefer to be close to the bottom.
Small schools of at least five or six fish in temperatures of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for cory catfish. These fish have a lifespan of about 10 years.
4. Ember Tetras
With its vivid orange and red colors, the ember tetra is a friendly addition to your tank. This colorful fish, also known as ‘fire tetra,’ won’t bother the other tank mates because of their peaceful nature. Regardless of their timid demeanor, you will frequently witness these lively fish enthusiastically darting around the aquarium. They are easy zebra danio tank mates as they share similar characteristics.
Ember tetras have a lifespan of two years and prefer temperatures of 73-84 degrees. Fahrenheit. Embers are omnivores who like both vegetables and protein from suitable meat sources.
5. Guppy Fish
Guppies come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and even though they are all quite small, they are some of the best zebra danio tank mates. There are more than 300 species of guppy fish you can choose from to keep as zebrafish tank mates.
These amazing fish, also known as rainbow fish, add a good splash of color to your tank. Guppies spend their days swimming everywhere and are friendly and cheerful. They can live for two years on an omnivorous diet and temperatures of 74-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin rasbora has gorgeous silver and orange colors, as well as a distinctive black portion close to the tail, making them particularly attractive. In addition, they are non-aggressive fish making them one of the best zebra danio tank mates. Harlequin rasboras eat flakes, micro pellets, and whatever other food you give them. So add a few live foods to their diet to add variety.
Rasboras prefer a densely forested, well-lit tank with lots of covers so keep this in mind when adding them to the tank. They can live up to five years with good care and a healthy diet.
7. Kuhli Loach
Kuhli loach looks very much like eels. With long bodies, distinct stripes, and mouths surrounded by four barbels. These fish are burrowers, so you will likely find them hiding under gravel. Stick to the smaller grains of gravel as larger grains irritate their delicate skin. Typically, they are dormant during the day and only emerge to forage for food at night.
Kuhli loaches are mostly carnivorous and prefer to eat the food at the bottom of the tank. They are a wise choice as zebra danio tank mates as they will not bother them in any way. These eel-like fish have a lifespan of 10 years and prefer temperatures of 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Platy Fish
Platies are little, calm creatures that come in a rainbow of colors, including blue, green, red, and yellow. Like guppies, mollies, and swordtails, platy fish are livebearers. These fish are frequently suggested to novice aquarium enthusiasts since they are reasonably easy to care for. One thing you should be aware of is that platys can leap out of the tank since they are excellent jumpers. Make sure your tank has a tight-fitting lid.
They make excellent zebrafish tank mates as they both are omnivores and consume both plants and animals. Platies have a lifespan of three years and prefer temperatures of 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Small Barbs
There are many different kinds of barbs, and most of them make really good zebra danio tank mates. However, be wary when choosing which barb to include in your tank. Some can reach lengths of more than a foot. Species like gold barbs, black ruby barbs, or zebra barbs that remain under 6 inches should be kept with zebra danio.
Small barbs are lively, energetic fish who are rarely confrontational. These beautiful fish can live up to five years as zebrafish tank mates. Temperatures of 75-90 degrees are suitable for them.
10. Swordtails
The swordtail is a stunning fish with a variety of colors and an extended tail fin that looks like a sword. Swordtails like platies are also jumpers. For these, it’s best to keep them in groups of 4-5 swordtails with a 3:1 female-to-male ratio. These fish make the best zebra danio tank mates since they are resilient, adaptable, and can survive in a variety of conditions.
Swordtails are omnivorous and have a lifespan of 3-5 years. They prefer temperatures of 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
Zebra danios can coexist with a wide variety of fish, and this list consists of a few of the most popular options. Generally speaking, zebras can live in harmony with any fish that are not extremely aggressive. Also, keep in mind that tank mates must be able to share the same levels of water parameters and similar diets.
