Leopard Danio - Short Fin - Danio rerio

Leopard Danio - Short Fin (Danio rerio)

The Leopard Danio - Short Fin is a lively and hardy freshwater fish recognised for its spotted leopard-like pattern and streamlined body. Active, social and easy to care for, it is an excellent choice for community aquariums and suits aquarists looking for a colourful schooling species with constant movement. Best maintained in groups, Leopard Danios are most confident and display their natural behaviour when given plenty of swimming space.

Common Name:
Leopard Danio - Short Fin, Leopard Danio

Scientific Name (Latin):
Danio rerio

Maximum Size:
Approximately 5–6 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Leopard Danio is a selectively bred colour and pattern form of Danio rerio, a species originating from South Asia.

In the wild, Danio rerio inhabits streams, rivers, pools and other freshwater environments, often in areas with gentle to moderate flow and open swimming space.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–25°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful

Leopard Danios are peaceful, active community fish that are best kept with other similarly sized and energetic species.

They can become restless or display excessive chasing if kept in numbers that are too small, so a proper group is strongly recommended.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including high-quality tropical flakes, small pellets, frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

A varied feeding routine helps support strong colouration, active behaviour and healthy body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 60 litres

A longer aquarium is preferable because Leopard Danios are fast and active swimmers that spend much of their time moving through open water.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Leopard Danio is a highly active schooling fish that commonly occupies the middle and upper areas of the aquarium.

Keep in groups of at least six individuals, with larger groups preferred where space allows.

Provide plenty of open swimming room together with planted areas around the sides and rear of the aquarium.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended, as danios can jump when startled or excited.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

The Leopard Danio is well suited to peaceful community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include other danios, rasboras, barbs of a peaceful nature, Corydoras, small catfish and other active community fish with similar water requirements.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in groups to encourage natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.

Provide strong filtration with good oxygenation and moderate water movement.

Avoid housing them with very slow-moving or long-finned fish if the aquarium is small, as their constant activity may cause stress.

Stable water quality and regular partial water changes are important for long-term health.

The short-fin form retains the natural streamlined fin shape of the species and is typically a stronger swimmer than long-finned varieties.

Suitable for:
Beginner

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.