Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Long-fin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Also called Longfin Zebrafish, Longfin Danio
From Selectively bred from the wild Zebra Danio, which is native to South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar).1
At a glance the quick version
Adult size typically 2-2.5 inches (5-6.4 cm).
Looks how to spot one
scales
The body is slender and torpedo-shaped, covered in small scales. The longfin variety has dramatically elongated, flowing fins on the tail and other fins, which trail gracefully as the fish swims.42
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and active. They are energetic schoolers that spend most of their time darting around the upper half of the tank. However, they may nip at the long fins of slower tankmates, and their own long fins can be targeted by fin-nipping fish.425
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active. They need plenty of open horizontal swimming space. A 20-gallon long tank is recommended for a school, and a secure lid is essential as they are known jumpers.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy care level. They are hardy and adaptable when kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Regular water changes and a good filter are important. Their long fins are delicate, so avoid sharp decorations and strong currents.24
Home where they are happiest
A well-planted aquarium with large open swimming areas. Water temperature 18-24°C, pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 4-15 dGH. A secure lid is recommended to prevent jumping.62
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Staple diet of high-quality flake or small pellets, supplemented 2-3 times a week with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.42
Company who they like around
Schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. Do not mix with standard-finned zebra danios, as the standard-finned fish will nip the long fins. Best kept with other peaceful, similarly active community fish.52
The story where it all began
The Longfin Zebra Danio is a selectively bred variety of the common Zebra Danio (Danio rerio). It was developed in captivity to enhance the length and flow of the fins, creating a more graceful appearance while retaining the classic striped pattern. Unlike the wild type, which has short fins, this variety's elongated fins are the result of human selection for ornamental traits.23
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Long-fin Zebra Danio. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Long-fin Zebra Danio?
Feed your Long-fin Zebra Danio small amounts once daily, only what they can eat in 2-3 minutes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding once or twice a day. They are active and will eagerly take food.42 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Long-fin Zebra Danio eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and thrive on a staple diet of high-quality flake or small pellets, with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms 2-3 times a week. The sources do not list specific foods to avoid, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on what not to feed.42
How much space does a Long-fin Zebra Danio need?
These active swimmers need plenty of open horizontal space. A 20-gallon long tank is recommended for a school of 6-10 fish, and a secure lid is essential as they are known jumpers.2
What temperature, light or water does a Long-fin Zebra Danio need?
Keep water temperature between 18-24°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 4-15 dGH. Provide a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas and a secure lid. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly water tests.62 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Long-fin Zebra Danio's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing in old tank water. Regular cleaning keeps water quality stable for these hardy fish. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Long-fin Zebra Danio live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful schoolers and should be kept in groups of 6-10. Avoid mixing with standard-finned zebra danios as they may nip the long fins. Best tankmates are other peaceful, active community fish.52
How long does a Long-fin Zebra Danio live?
With proper care, your Long-fin Zebra Danio can live 3 to 5 years. They are hardy and adaptable when kept in a stable, cycled aquarium.23
Can I handle a Long-fin Zebra Danio?
It is best not to handle them directly as they are delicate and stress easily. If you need to move your fish, use a soft net and avoid touching their long fins. Ask your vet or a good breeder for handling advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Zebra DanioWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- fishbase.org: Danio rerio fishbase.orgused for origin
- aquaticarts.com: longfin zebra danio danio rerio tank bred aquaticarts.comused for length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- aqualibs.com: zebra longfin danio aqualibs.comused for lifespan years, colours, history
- shoalandstem.com: longfin zebra danio shoalandstem.comused for coat or body, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, diet basics
- studioscaped.com: zebra danio varieties and glofish studioscaped.comused for temperament, social needs, fun fact
- fishkeeping.co.uk: caresheet fishkeeping.co.ukused for habitat needs
Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.