Difficulty: BeginnerSize: 2 inchesTemperament: Energetic and peacefulLifespan: 4–5 years 💧 Tank Setup - Tank Size: 15–20 gallons minimum — they’re active swimmers! - Water Range: 64–75 °F, pH 6.5–7.5 — one of the few tropicals that thrive in cooler water. - Group Size: Keep 6 or more — small groups = fin chasing and stress. - Decor: Open swimming area with plants at the edges. - Lighting: Moderate; brighter light brings out their reflective stripes. 💡 Lesser-Known Tip: Zebra Danios can handle cooler temps because they come from mountain streams in India and Nepal — they’re perfect for unheated tanks in warm climates! 🍽️ Diet - Staple: High-quality flakes or micro pellets. - Supplements: Baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, or daphnia. - Feeding Routine: Twice a day; small amounts. 💡 Fact: They’ve been used in scientific research for decades — even in genetic and medical studies — because of their transparent eggs and regenerative ability. 🧬 Breeding Behavior - Type: Egg scatterer. - Trigger: Separate males and females for a week; then reunite with a morning light cycle and cooler water change. - Setup: Use marbles or mesh on the bottom so eggs fall through — parents will eat them otherwise. - Egg Care: Remove adults post-spawning; fry hatch in about 2 days. 💡 Breeder Insight: They usually spawn at sunrise — mimic dawn lighting with a dim room light first, then your tank light 30 minutes later. 🤝 Tank Mates Great with guppies, corydoras, rasboras, and small tetras.Avoid slow, long-finned species (like bettas) — danios are too fast and can annoy them. 💬 Community Prompt Who’s kept Zebra Danios before? 🦓Post a video or photo — do yours zip around the glass or stay together in a tight school? (Bonus: share if you’ve ever seen them spawn at sunrise!)

Difficulty: Beginner-FriendlySize: 4–5 inchesTemperament: Peaceful bottom-dwellerLifespan: 10–12 years 💧 Tank Setup - Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one, 30+ for pairs. - Water Parameters: 72–80°F, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to medium-hard water. - Environment: Provide driftwood (they need it — it’s part of their digestion) and multiple hiding spots. - Lighting: Moderate; dim corners help them feel secure. - Filtration: Strong but gentle flow — they like oxygen-rich water. 💡 Pro Tip: Add cholla wood or almond leaves. They release tannins that reduce stress and promote natural grazing behavior. 🍽️ Diet - Staple: Algae wafers and high-quality sinking pellets. - Supplement: Fresh veggies — blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and sweet potato. - Protein Boost: Once a week, give frozen bloodworms or Repashy gel food. 💡 Lesser-Known Fact: They’re nocturnal eaters — feed after lights out for better nutrition and cleaner tanks. 🧬 Breeding Behavior - Type: Cave spawners. - Pairing: One male with a plump female — males have larger bristles on their heads. - Trigger: Slight temperature drop (2–3°F) and heavy feeding mimic rainy season conditions. - Caring for Eggs: The male guards eggs until hatching (4–6 days). Leave him alone — removing him too early risks fungus. 💡 Advanced Tip: Use pleco caves tilted slightly downward — males feel more secure guarding entrances. 🌿 Compatibility Great with tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species. What’s your favorite veggie to feed your plecos — and how do you prepare it? 🥒 Do you blanch it, skewer it, or just drop it in raw? Share your method (and maybe a photo)!