Species profile
Leopard Danio
Danio rerio
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–5 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Spotted domestic colour form of Zebra Danio. Behaviour and general husbandry are the same as D. rerio.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–24 °C
pH
6–8
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.6
Fast and social. Keep a meaningful group with plenty of swimming length; nipping/chasing becomes more likely when cramped or under-grouped.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Danio rerio
Alternative names
Leopard Danio, Danio rerio 'frankei', Leopard Zebra Danio, Brachydanio frankei (legacy)
Native range
Captive domestic form of Danio rerio; no separate wild range should be assigned to the leopard phenotype.
Natural habitat
Use the same open, oxygenated setup as Zebra Danio, with planted margins and strong horizontal swimming space.
Diet & feeding
Small omnivore/insectivore; accepts varied dry foods and small frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are fuller-bodied; males are slimmer and often more strongly coloured. The leopard spotting pattern occurs in both sexes.
Breeding
Egg-scattering non-guarder. Breeds like Zebra Danio and adults will consume eggs unless separated.