Can Zebra Danios Live With Goldfish: Main Requirements

Goldfish are a popular pet, and many people want to know if they can also keep zebra danios with them.

Yes, zebra danios can live together with goldfish. Both species are known for being very active and playful. They are also known to be very friendly. However, there are still some parameters that need to be considered when putting these two fish together in a single fish tank.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) tropical aquarium fish

Species Overview

Zebra danios are a beautiful and exotic fish that is popular among aquarists. These fish come in many different colors and can be kept in either fresh or saltwater aquariums. They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant and animal matter, so they would be a good choice for an aquarium with a variety of food options. Zebra danios also have interesting decorative features on their body including stripes, spots, and patterns.

Goldfish are a popular aquarium fish species and come in a variety of colors, including black, white, yellow, and orange. They are considered peaceful and get along well with other fish species. Goldfish can grow to be up to 2 inches long but are usually smaller in the home aquarium. Goldfish do not need plenty of water movement; they will consume food faster if it settles at the bottom of their tank. They also like to live in relatively warm water, which is why they are often used as a popular choice for fish keeping in tropical climates.

What Are the Requirements for Keeping Zebra Danios and Goldfish?

A Lot of Space

Zebra danios can live with goldfish in a large aquarium, but they both need a lot of space. Danios need at least 30 gallons of water, while goldfish need at least 20 gallons of water. Danios also need plenty of floating plants, caves, and hiding spots, while goldfish need a place to hide.

Good Water Quality

Although goldfish and zebra danios are tropical active fish, both need clean water that is kept as close to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) temperature conditions as possible. Most healthy fish will be fine with a normal aquarium setup, which includes an air pump for oxygenation and a filtration system for maintaining proper pH levels in the tank. However, if you notice your goldfish or the ice bug doing anything unusual (such as inactivity, unusual swimming, or hiding behavior) be sure to take note of how your tank water is being taken care of. Is the temperature right? Are you adding too much food and supplements? Does the filter work properly with no leaks or air bubbles in it when cleaning/changing it out?

They Need Attention

Both the zebra danios and goldfish need a lot of attention if they are to live happy and healthy lives. Danios are active little fish that need plenty of swimming space and plenty of food. Goldfish, on the other hand, are much more laid back and require less active care. However, both fish need to be kept clean and fed a balanced diet. If you can provide your danios and goldfish with the necessary care, they will be happy and healthy companions.

Healthy Diet

Both the goldfish and zebra danios need nutritious food to stay healthy in captivity. Fish food with omega-rich flakes and pellets are great choices, while crustaceans are also a good choice for a healthy clean diet as they promote balanced gut flora that benefits both plant & animal life on earth. For meaty options, you can go with brine shrimp or bloodworms which are high in protein, low on fat, and have a clean ingredient list.

Swimming and Activity

Your danios and goldfish prefer a good amount of swimming space. This can be provided with an aquarium that is at least 30 gallons as mentioned before, plenty of plants for hiding places or covering areas, as well as decoration to create fun tunnels and other obstacles for your fishies too. They need lots of room to swim to keep themselves healthy after being out in the ‘wild’ on the land. Be sure not to overstock though, as they do better on smaller quarters.

Tank Decoration, Lighting, and Temperature Control

Now that you’ve got the fish tank set up right, there are a few practical aspects to keep in mind. The filter should be cleaned when needed and replaced with new cartridges at least once every month or two (depending on quality). Change out your water regularly too; this will prevent harmful bacteria from growing in stagnant tanks which can cause severe health issues in your fish. Temperature is something you will have to manage as well, after all, they need a warm and comfortable home with cozy conditions for the full health of their environments. It depends on what type of danios or goldfish you’re caring for but most water temperatures should be around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius).

What Are the Ideal Tankmates for Zebra Danios and Goldfish?

Cory Catfish (Corydoras)

Corydoras are peaceful fish but will still get aggressive when they feel threatened. This is for the most part common between many different types of catfish, especially with other cory and hatchet fish species such as pygmy angelfish or clown loaches; again the tank needs to be quite large so that any potential aggression can occur without feeling minor beside themselves. However, if you were to put a pair in an aquarium, they would get along well, probably being the friendliest fish species in there.

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Hillstream Loach (Balitoridae)

Goldfish and zebra danios are peaceful fish most of the time if not threatened, and the Hillstream loach is a good match for them. They are both small and scrappy so they will not be eaten by other fish in the tank. They also get along well with other invertebrates such as rotifers, crayfish, and shrimp.

Portrait of freshwater barb fish (Tanichthys albonubes) in aquarium

White Cloud Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)

Goldfish, zebra danios, and white cloud minnows can both enjoy plenty of swimming space and brightly lit areas. They are also small enough that they will not be a major meal for other fish in the tank. The white cloud minnow is known to be good at feeding on live foods, so you may want to add some small pieces of meat or frozen food to their diet as well.

Bristlenose catfish aquarium fish bushynose pleco

Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus)

Bristlenose plecos are large and can be a bit of a challenge for small goldfish. They eat plants, so you will need to provide them with extra vegetation in the tank, or else they may try to chow down on your fish. However, if you handle them properly and provide plenty of hiding spaces, they can be great companions for goldfish.

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Rubber Lip Pleco (Chaetostoma milesi)

The rubber lip pleco is one of the more peaceful fish species and will generally get along with other tank occupants.

They are also great scavengers that love to eat meaty foods, which can be supplied by feeding them some quality aquarium brands or frozen bloodworms as they do tend to consume many nutrients in this manner.

Aphyocharax anisitsi. Colorful fish swims in the aquarium

Bloodfin tetras (Aphyocharax anisitsi)

Goldfish and zebra danios get along well with tetras, and it is possible to keep them together for a long time if you have enough room. They can get a bit messy and food may become scarce because they eat so many plant leaves, which will only be more the case as your fish grows larger. However, the resulting tail of dead matter in the tank helps break down waste products from decomposing plants much quicker than soil that has not yet been disturbed by these fish. Also, goldfish will fight if they are too crowded together in aquariums so it is important to keep an eye on your tank and make sure that not too many get crowded into one space, or else this may become a problem for the fish.

rummy-nose tetra fish (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)

The rummy nose tetra is a fish that gets along well with other tank occupants and can be kept in most aquariums provided there is plenty of floating vegetation for them to snack on. They are also great scavengers that love to eat meaty foods, which can be supplied by feeding them some quality aquarium brands or frozen bloodworms as they do tend to consume many nutrients in this manner.

Fish Fire barb in the aquarium. (Pethia Conchonius)

Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

The rosy barb is a bottom feeder that does not compete well with most other fish for food. It is an interesting addition to the tank with your goldfish and zebra danios, as it can be quite active and playful. It is also easy to care for and will not require a large amount of water or space.

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Checker Barb (Oliotius oligolepis)

An interesting addition to the goldfish and zebra danios mix as it can be quite playful. In addition, it is also easy to take care of, with only a small need for water and food. Make sure there is enough space for these species. Sometimes more is better, and having a bigger tank with room for both fish to grow in peace and space will only encourage them to become best friends.

Giant Danio or Malabar Danio, danio aequipinnatus, Aquarium Fishes

Giant Danio (Devario aequipinnatus)

The giant danio is a large fish that does well in an aquarium, as it can get along with other species of fish. However, it does require plenty of space and should not be housed with smaller ones unless they can share the tank without conflict. Giant danios can grow quite large and may become a problem for your other aquarium inhabitants if not given enough room to roam around.

three platies fish in a big beautiful aquarium

Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Platies are peaceful and easy-going fish that can be kept in most tanks. However, they do require plenty of space as they are quite large, so it is important to make sure you have enough room for them before purchasing one. Platies usually get along well with other types of fish but may chum around with these species if they become territorialized over food or territory; again, this generally only happens if the tank is too small for them to escape any potential conflict.

Black Swordtail Xiphophorus Helleri Male aquarium fish isolated

Swordtail fish (Xiphophorus hellerii)

The swordtail fish is one of the more peaceful fish species and will usually get along well with other tank occupants. They are somewhat delicate when it comes to temperature, so they should not be kept in colder tanks. To make it simpler, swordtail fish have the same temperature requirement as zebra danios and goldfish which is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Other than that, Swordtails are pretty easy keepers and will do well in most aquariums provided there is plenty of floating vegetation for them to snack on.