CheckMyFishTank

Leopard Danio care

Danio rerio var. frankei · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Leopard Danio, painted illustration

A spotted variety of the zebra danio with the same hardy nature.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2 inches
Temperature65 to 77°F
pH6.5 to 7.5
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsTop of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They are quick and may chase slow fish, so avoid long finned bettas.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.

Nips the fins of slow fish with long fins.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Leopard Danio in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Leopard Danio need different water temperatures.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.
  • Discus: Discus and Leopard Danio need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Leopard Danio.

Questions

What size tank does a Leopard Danio need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 2 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Leopard Danio like?

65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Leopard Danio should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Leopard Danio eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.