Leopard Danio

The Leopard Danio is a striking color variant of the Zebra Danio, characterized by its beautiful spotted pattern instead of stripes. These active, hardy fish are excellent beginner fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Leopard Danios are constant swimmers that add energy and movement to the upper levels of the aquarium. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Their spotted gold and bronze patterning makes them an attractive alternative to the striped Zebra Danio. Like their cousins, they are extremely active and may stress very slow or long-finned tankmates with their constant motion. They are prolific breeders and were among the first fish to be genetically modified (GloFish), though natural varieties are widely available.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Leopard Danios are undemanding:

• Minimum 10 gallons for small group (20+ recommended)
• Long tanks better than tall - they swim horizontally
• Hang-on-back or sponge filter (gentle to moderate flow)
• Heater optional (tolerate wide temperature range)
• Gravel or sand substrate
• Plants for cover (but need open swimming space)
• Tight-fitting lid - they are jumpers

Important: They are extremely active swimmers. Provide plenty of horizontal swimming space.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 64-78°F (18-26°C) - very adaptable
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-20 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <40 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• Very tolerant of various conditions
• Hardy and adaptable fish
• Good for cycling new tanks (with caution)

Feeding

Leopard Danios are easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes as staple
• Micro pellets work well
• Frozen foods: daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp
• Live foods: occasional treats
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, small amounts.

Note: They are enthusiastic eaters and will eat almost anything offered.

Behavior & Compatibility

Very active swimmers:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Zebra Danios (will school together!)
  • Tetras (active varieties)
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Corydoras
  • Cherry Barbs
  • Other active community fish

• Avoid With:

  • Very slow-moving fish (bettas, gouramis)
  • Long-finned fish (may nip fins)
  • Fish that need calm environments
  • Very small fry (will eat them)

Behavior: Constant motion, schooling in upper water column, very active feeders.

Schooling Behavior

Best kept in appropriate groups:

• Minimum school: 6 individuals
• Ideal: 8-10+ for tightest schooling
• Mixed schools: Will school with Zebra Danios
• Behavior: Tight, fast-moving schools darting around the tank

Breeding

Very easy to breed:

• Egg scatterers
• Spawning: Early morning, eggs scatter on substrate
• Parental care: None - parents eat eggs
• Breeding setup: Marbles or mesh bottom to protect eggs
• Fry food: Infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
• Difficulty: Easy - very prolific

Note: They breed readily in community tanks, though few fry survive.

Health Considerations

Extremely hardy fish:

• Very disease resistant
• Tolerate parameter fluctuations
• Ich: Rare, but treatable if occurs
• Fin nipping: May occur if kept with long-finned fish

Note: Their hardiness makes them good “test” fish for new tanks, though always cycle tanks properly first.

Size Considerations

Small but active:

• Adult size: 1.5-2 inches
• Sexual dimorphism: Females rounder when gravid
• Lifespan: 3-5 years

Appearance

Beautiful spotted pattern:

• Body: Gold-bronze with irregular dark spots
• Pattern: Leopard-like spotting instead of zebra stripes
• Fins: Clear with subtle markings
• Shape: Streamlined torpedo shape
• Comparison to Zebra: Same body shape, different pattern

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 20-25% water changes
• Filter maintenance
• Remove uneaten food
• Check for jumping (secure lid!)
• Monitor tankmates for stress from their activity

Tips for Success

• Keep in groups of 6+ for proper schooling
• Provide plenty of horizontal swimming space
• They mix well with Zebra Danios
• Secure lid essential - they jump
• Feed varied diet for best health
• Good for beginners due to hardiness
• May stress slow fish - choose active tankmates
• Breed easily if desired
• Tolerate cooler temperatures (can go down to 64°F)

Comparison to Zebra Danio

• Leopard: Spotted pattern, gold/bronze base color
• Zebra: Striped pattern, silver/blue base color
• Both: Same care, size, behavior, hardiness
• Can be mixed: They will school together

Scientific Note

• Leopard Danio: Danio rerio var. frankei (variant of Zebra Danio)
• Genetics: Developed from spontaneous mutation
• GloFish: Genetically modified fluorescent varieties available
• Wild form: Does not exist in the wild - all are captive bred