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Aquatic Care

About Platys

About Platys

The Platy is a very popular community aquarium fish. This lively species loves to swim around in groups which makes them stand out in a freshwater aquarium. This listing is for a mix of assorted platy species, and will include different patterns and colours drawn from our available stock. The photo is for illustration only - the colours and patterns supplied will be completely random, and may differ from those pictured.

Assorted male and females supplied. We can segregate on request subject to availability - please contact us prior to ordering.

Features
Approx. size: 1-2" / 2-5cm
Maximum size: 7cm
Origin: South America
Ideal number kept together: 3+

Water conditions
Our conditions: temp 22 °C, pH 7.5
Ideal pH: 7.0 – 8.5
Hardness: 15 – 35°H
Ideal temperature: 20 – 29 °C

Ease of care
Easy. Prolific breeders, very few specific requirements.

Diet
The food we recommend is tropical fish flake. They can occassionally have frozen or live food like daphnia.

Compatibility
A community aquarium of similar size with no long finned fish or fin nippers.

Breeding/ Sex
Easy. They are live bearers so will spawn extremely quickly and young.

Life Span
Assorted platies can live for 1-2 years in perfect conditions.

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About Albino Corydoras Catfish

About Albino Corydoras Catfish

The Albino Corydoras catfish is a very peaceful bottom-feeding schooling fish that is compatible with most popular peaceful community aquarium fish species.

Corydoras thrive in well-oxygenated planted aquariums with plenty of shady areas amongst driftwood and rocks. The presence of mid-swimming fish will help to encourage the Albino Cory out more often. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a gap should be left between the water surface and the fish tank hood/lid to allow the Cory to come up to the surface and take air in. It is perfectly normal for Albino Corydoras to do this many times a day.

Are Albino Corys a shoaling fish?
Corydoras are small catfish which is quite happy on its own but even happier in a group of corydoras, and will shoal in numbers. Albino Corys will typically exhibit shoaling or schooling behaviour in groups of six or more, swimming together fluidly upward and down the aquarium.

Will Albino Corys clean my tank?
As a small bottom feeder, the albino corydoras catfish is an extremely efficient cleaner. It will scavenge the leftovers that have sunk to the bottom, cleaning up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the tank. However, Albino Corys do not clear algae from aquarium glass and should not be confused with algae-eating species like plecos (suckerfish!)

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1" / 2-3cm (small)
Maximum size: 2.5" / 6cm
Origin: South America
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25°C
Ideal pH: 7.0–8.0
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 22-25°C

Ease of care
Moderate. Albino Corydoras are a peaceful catfish, but do require absolute optimal water conditions to thrive.

Compatibility
Albino Corydoras are compatible with virtually all non-predatory and community fish.

Diet
Feed sinking catfish pellets and algae wafer. Will also happily eat bloodworm and brine shrimp (frozen is fine)

Breeding

Egg layers. Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above. Bred in captivity, breeding is possible at lower temperatures, but eggs can be prone to fungus. Eggs typically hatch within 5 days.

Life Span
Albino Corydoras Cory Catfish can live 3-5 years in perfect conditions.

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About Bronze Corydoras Catfish

About Bronze Corydoras Catfish

The Bronze Corydoras catfish is a very peaceful bottom-feeding schooling fish that is compatible with most popular peaceful community aquarium fish species.

Bronze Corydoras thrive in well-oxygenated planted aquariums with plenty of shady areas amongst driftwood and rocks. The presence of mid-swimming fish will help to encourage the Bronze Cory out more often. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a gap should be left between the water surface and the fish tank hood/lid to allow the Cory to come up to the surface and take air in. It is perfectly normal for Bronze Corydoras to do this many times a day.

Are Bronze Corys a shoaling fish?
Corydoras are small catfish which is quite happy on its own but even happier in a group of corydoras, and will shoal in numbers. Bronze Corys will typically exhibit shoaling or schooling behaviour in groups of six or more, swimming together fluidly upward and down the aquarium.

Will Bronze Corys clean my tank?
As a small bottom feeder, the albino corydoras catfish is an extremely efficient cleaner. It will scavenge the leftovers that have sunk to the bottom, cleaning up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the tank. However, Bronze Corys do not clear algae from aquarium glass and should not be confused with algae-eating species like plecos (suckerfish!)

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1" / 2-3cm (small)
Maximum size: 2.5" / 6cm
Origin: South America
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25°C
Ideal pH: 7.0–8.0
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 22-25°C

Ease of care
Moderate. Bronze Corydoras are a peaceful catfish, but do require absolute optimal water conditions to thrive.

Compatibility
Bronze Corydoras are compatible with virtually all non-predatory and community fish.

Diet
Feed sinking catfish pellets and algae wafer. Will also happily eat bloodworm and brine shrimp (frozen is fine)

Breeding

Egg layers. Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above. Bred in captivity, breeding is possible at lower temperatures, but eggs can be prone to fungus. Eggs typically hatch within 5 days.

Life Span
Bronze Corydoras Cory Catfish can live 3-5 years in perfect conditions.

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About Pepper Corydoras Catfish

About Pepper Corydoras Catfish

he Peppered Cory is a great addition to a freshwater community aquarium and are one of the most popular of the Corydoras. They stay small so can be put in a smaller tank with ease. They are very lively and friendly which makes them interesting to watch.

Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the size, colour, sex or age of the fishes you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding livestock please contact us. To minimise stress we are unable to hand pick specific fish. Lifespan is an estimate based on optimum conditions.

Features

Actual size: 1-2cm

 

  • Maximum size: 7cm
  • Origin: West Indies
  • Ideal number kept together: 4+

    Water conditions
    pH: 6.0-8.0
    Hardness: 36–268 ppm
    Temperature: 20–27 °C

    Ease of care
    Easy. They are perfect for beginners as they are hardy and live well in a wider range of freshwater parameters.
    Diet
    Sinking pellets or granules are best for them however they can also be given live or frozen food as a treat.
    Compatibility
    Peaceful, community aquarium. They live well with tank mates such as Tetras, Rasbora, Livebearers, etc. They like a planted aquarium with hiding places.
    Breeding/ Sex
    Moderate. They lay eggs so you should have them in their own aquarium just in case the other fish eat the eggs. You should have more females to males for the best results. Females grow larger.
    Life Span
    They can live to anything from 3-5 years in perfect conditions.
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    About Glass Bloodfin Tetra

    About Glass Bloodfin Tetra

    The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a community freshwater Tetra that is happiest in a shoal. They are also a hardy fish so great for beginners. Best kept in planted aquariums with lots of hiding places as they can be skittish.

    Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the size, colour, sex or age of the fishes you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding livestock please contact us. To minimise stress we are unable to hand pick specific fish. Lifespan is an estimate based on optimum conditions.


    Features
    Approx. size: 3-4cm
    Maximum size: 6cm
    Origin: South America
    Ideal number kept together: 5+

    Water conditions
    pH: 6.0–7.5
    Hardness: 18-179 ppm
    Temperature: 23–28 °C

    Ease of care
    Easy. These warm water fish are great for hobbyist just starting to look after tropical fish.

    Diet
    The main food we recommend would be tropical fish flake. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat.

    Compatibility
    Community with other small similar sized fish.

    Breeding
    Egg layer. Easy to moderate. They will need dim lighting and hiding places around the aquarium.

    Life span
    They can live to anything from 3-8 years in perfect conditions.

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    About Rummy Nose Tetra

    About Rummy Nose Tetra

    The rummy-nose tetra is a species of tropical freshwater characin fish originating in South America. The popular Rummy Nose tetra really brightens up a freshwater aquarium. The bright red faces go dull when they are stressed.

    Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the size, colour, sex or age of the fishes you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding livestock please contact us. To minimise stress we are unable to hand pick specific fish. Lifespan is an estimate based on optimum conditions.

    Features
    Approx. size: 1-3cm
    Maximum size: 5cm

    Origin: South America
    Ideal number kept together: 5+

    Water conditions
    pH: 5.5–7.0
    Hardness: 2-15°H
    Temperature: 24–27 °C

    Ease of care
    Easy. This tropical fish is great for hobbyist at all levels however they do need good soft water conditions.

    Diet
    The main food we recommend would be micro granules or flake crushed up. As the Rummy Nose Tetra are small they cannot take big granules. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat.

    Compatibility
    Community of similar size. They feel most comfortable when in a shoal of other Rummy Nose's.
    To view the Compatibility Advisory Chart please select the Additional Tab above.

    Breeding/ Sex
    Egg layers. Intermediate. A dedicated tank with dim lighting will be required along with specific sterile water conditions.

    Life Span
    They can live to anything from 4-6 years in perfect conditions.

    Read more →

    About Silver Bala Sharks

    About Silver Bala Sharks

    The Silver Shark, the most friendly of the freshwater sharks. They grow quite large so will need to be put into a larger tank over time.

    Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the size, colour, sex or age of the fishes you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding livestock please contact us. To minimise stress we are unable to hand pick specific fish. Lifespan is an estimate based on optimum conditions.

    Features

    • Approx. size: 3-4cm
    • Maximum size: 35cm
    • Origin: Asia
    • Ideal number kept together: 1+

      Water conditions
      pH: 6.0–8.0
      Hardness: 36–268 ppm
      Temperature: 20–28 °C

      Ease of Care
      Easy. They are hardy fish that are great for hobbyists of all levels.
      Diet
      Not fussy when it comes to eating. They will eat flake, granules, live or frozen foods.
      Compatibility
      Community. When they are adults and grow to a good size, do not put with small fish.
      Breeding/ Sex
      Unknown to breed in home aquaria.
      Life Span
      They can live to anything from 6-10 years in perfect conditions.

    Read more →

    About Black Tetras

    About Black Tetras

    Species Summary

    No matter how experienced you are with fish-keeping, you’ve likely seen the traditional Neon Tetra at some point. The Black Neon Tetra (scientific name: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a similar species that takes on a much darker appearance. 

    Considered to be the darker cousin of the Neon Tetra, these freshwater fish are equally as beautiful and easy to care for!

    Black Neon Tetra before the breeding process

    Black Neon Tetras come from the Paraguay Basin in Brazil. Their natural habitat spans several hundred kilometers. The fish can be found in small tributaries, floodplains, and rivers flowing through dense forests.

    The specimens you see in the fish trade are largely captive-bred. Black Neon Tetras readily spawn in captivity, creating a healthy market for aquarists looking for a high-contrast fish for their tank.

    Lifespan

    The average Black Neon Tetra lifespan can reach up to 5 years in captivity. Their lifespan basically mimics regular Neons.

    That said, there are no guarantees. While this species is known for its hardiness, failure to provide the basics could result in a dramatically shortened lifespan. To help your fish reach its full potential, you’ll need to provide the best environment, diet, and care possible.

    Appearance

    Black Neon Tetras are beautiful fish that stand out among natural decor. Like their brighter cousins, these fish are small and slender. They have a torpedo-shaped body with a rounded head and transparent fins.

    The primary color of the Black Neon Tetra is relatively subdued. They often take on a slightly greenish hue. Complementing that base color is two vivid stripes.

    The first is a thin stripe of iridescent white. It sparkles in the light to create a stunning glimmering effect. Directly below that stripe is a thicker band of black. This stripe is what lends the fish its name.

    Both of the stripes run horizontally along the entire body of the fish. It runs from the gill cover down to the base of the tail fin.

    Author Note: There are very minimal differences between males and females. Sexing the fish can be difficult. However, the easiest way to distinguish males and females is by looking at their bellies.

    Females tend to have larger and more rounded bellies than females. This is especially true when the female reaches maturity and is ready for breeding.

    Average Size

    The average size of a full-grown Black Neon Tetra is usually around 1.5 inches in length. Sometimes specimens can reach 1.6 inches but that’s pretty uncommon.

    Because of their small size, it can be hard to tell the difference between the large fish and smaller ones!

    Black Neon Tetra Care

    Black Neon Tetra care is relatively easy as long as you have the right information. This is no different from many of the other species in the tetra family. 

    This species tolerates a wide range of conditions and is pretty easy to please. This makes these fish great for beginners (or experienced aquarists looking for something low-maintenance).

    s long as you provide the essentials, you should have no issues keeping these fish healthy. Below are some care guidelines you don’t want to miss!

    Tank Size

    At less than two inches long, you don’t need a massive tank for Black Neon Tetras. That said, these are schooling fish. It’s recommended that you keep a group of half a dozen together.

    Even with a small group, these fish do fine with a tank size of at least 20 gallons.

    Author Note: You can go bigger if you plan on keeping a multi-species community tank. Black Neon Tetras always appreciate the extra swimming space if its available.

    Water Parameters

    The bodies of water that Black Neon Tetras call home in the wild are unique. They’re not the crystal-clear lakes and rivers that most people envision. Instead, they are shallow streams filled with decaying plant matter!

    Most Black Neon Tetras are found in tea-stained blackwaters. Fallen leaves cause the water to appear brown in color, which ultimately raises the acidity levels.

    You can easily recreate that environment in your home aquarium. You don’t have to go so far as to stain the water, but you will need to stick to the following parameters:

    • Water temperature: 68°F to 82°F (roughly 75 degrees is ideal)
    • pH level: 5.0 to 7.5
    • Water hardness: About 6 dGH

    When you first introduce these fish to the aquarium it’s important to check the water more frequently. This transitional phase is when they’re more likely to suffer health complications as the result of shifting parameters.

    Setting Up The Rest Of Their Tank

    Creating a rich aquarium is key to keeping Black Neon Tetras healthy and happy. Recreating their natural environment will reduce stress while giving them an enriched life!

    To do that, start with a sand substrate at the bottom of your tank.

    A Black Neon Tetra swimming in a well-planted aquarium

    Black Neon Tetras rarely venture to the bottom of the tank. They like to stick to the upper and middle parts of the water column. But, a sandy bottom is similar to what you’d find in their natural habitat.

    Next, introduce live plants throughout the habitat. Choose a variety of different plants to create some thick vegetation in the background. Make sure to leave some open swimming space in the center!

    To accompany those plants, add driftwood and rocks. All of that natural decor will serve as shelter from the light. Plus, it’ll become a place of exploration for the fish.

    If you want to truly replicate the environment, place some plant leaves on the substrate. The leaves will release tannin, which will improve water quality for these fish and stain the water brown a bit.

    Good filtration is a must, too. Black Neon Tetras don’t produce a ton of waste, but when kept in groups, that collective waste can have a major effect on ammonia and nitrate levels. So, use a powerful filter than can cycle the tank efficiently.

    Author Note: Make sure that your filter produces a relatively strong flow near the top of the tank. Many owners like to add peat moss to the filtration system as well. This is said to bring out the coloration of the fish!

    Disease Potential

    They might be hardy, but Black Neon Tetras are not immune to disease. These fish can suffer from all of the same ailments as other tropical fish. This includes common health concerns like Ich, Dropsy, and more.

    Luckily, those ailments are pretty easy to treat. Black Neon Tetras usually respond well to over-the-counter medications.

    The best way to handle disease is to avoid it altogether. Maintain tank conditions and keep an eye on water parameters. Most diseases will affect fish once water conditions go south.

    Replace up to 30-50 percent of the water every other week to keep things in good shape!

    A healthy Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

    One important thing to remember about Black Neon Tetras is that they can easily carry diseases into your tank. This species is known to suffer from a disease called “Neon Tetra Disease.” Technically speaking, it’s a parasitic infection.

    Fish will get this from other infected fish and spread it throughout the community. There is no known cure for it, so make sure that you’re getting healthy fish from a reputable source.

    Food & Diet

    Black Neon Tetras are natural omnivores. In the wild, they frequently feed on plant detritus, small crustaceans, and algae.

    There are plenty of foods you can provide in captivity. A well-rounded diet will ensure that your fish are getting all the nutrients they need, which can improve coloration and appearance.

    Dry flakes or pellets are a good start. You can then supplement this with brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and other protein-rich foods.

    Author Note: Make sure not to overfeed these fish. Not only will this cause health complications due to them overeating, but it will also negatively impact the water quality in the aquarium.

    Behavior & Temperament

    Black Neon Tetras are gentle and passive. They don’t exhibit aggressive behavior at all. Even in groups, males usually aren’t territorial (behavior that is quite common with other species).

    Speaking of groups, it’s very important to point out that Black Neon Tetras are schooling fish.

    During the day, the group will explore the tank together. They often move in unison, creating a nice swathe of dark color around the tank!

    While they do prefer to stay in groups, they are not totally dependent on each other. The group may break apart every once in a while so that the individual fish can hide out and relax.

    Tank Mates

    Because these fish are so small, you’ll need to choose tank mates that won’t eat them for lunch! Avoid any large or potentially aggressive fish. Keep the tank peaceful to avoid any injuries or accidents.

    As we mentioned earlier, the best tank mates are going to be other Black Neon Tetras. At the very least, keep a group of six together. Any fewer and the fish might not have the confidence they need to swim around.

    Other possible Black Neon Tetra tank mates you can consider are:

    • Chili Rasbora
    • Harlequin Rasbora
    • Celestial Pearl Danio (other Danios are good too)
    • Rummy Nose Tetra
    • Neon Tetra (Green Neons as well)
    • Small Freshwater Catfish
    • Honey Gourami
    • Dwarf Gourami
    • Sparkling Gourami
    • Pearl Gourami
    • Freshwater Aquarium Snails

    Author Note: It’s usually possible to keep Black Neon Tetras and Betta fish together. The color of this species tends to not trigger aggression in Bettas. Of course, you should always monitor the situation to make sure they don’t need to be separated (you never know).

    Black Neon Tetra Breeding

    Black Neon Tetras frequently breed in captivity. In many cases, spawning occurs naturally in the community tank.

    To ensure the survival of the fish fry, we recommend setting up a separate breeding tank.

    All you need is a small 10-gallon tank. Add dark sand substrate, plenty of plants, and subdued lighting. Then, introduce your bonded pair.

    Condition the pair with live foods. Over the course of several days, slowly raise the temperature to about 80 degrees. This should trigger spawning.

    The pregnant female will lay hundreds of eggs at once. She may scatter them onto the substrate or stick them on the underside of leaves. Whatever the case may be, the eggs will hatch in as little as 22 hours!

    Before they hatch it’s important to remove the adults. They don’t show any parental instincts!

    After the eggs hatch, wait for about three to four days. They will survive on their egg sac until they are large enough to eat. Then, provide baby brine shrimp or infusoria. Keep the babies in a separate tank until they grow close in size to the adults.

    Closing Thoughts

    Black Neon Tetra care is about as easy as it gets. These fish are a joy to own and can be owned by aquarists of all experience levels.

    We hope you consider giving this species a shot. Even though many fishkeepers flock to their more popular relatives, these cute little fish have a lot to offer too!

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    About Neon Tetra

    About Neon Tetra

    The Neon Tetra is probably the world's most popular small tropical fish that really brightens up a freshwater tropical aquarium. Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) inhabit loactions in South America - the Rio Taquari, Brazilarea and Paraguay River basins. In the wild the neon tetra prefers to live in slow tributaries of large rivers with dark water that flows through the thick rain forest, so very small amount of sunlight gets into the water. The neon tetra lives in schools, a mid-level swimmer, and feeds on different insects.

    Are Neon Tetra's easy to care for?
    Neon tetra fish are quite easy to care for, and have no special dietary requirements. However, neon tetra are not particularly hardy and may struggle to acclimatise and thrive in water of a higher pH. A pH level of around 6.5 would be ideal, and is definitely worth checking prior to adding to your tank to avoid issues. Neons are a shoaling fish and thrive in higher numbers, so having a larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room and good filtration is highly recommended.
    Features
    Approx. size: 1-2cm
    Maximum size: 4cm
    Origin: South America
    Ideal number kept together: 6+
    Water Conditions
    Our conditions: pH 7, temp 25 °C
    Ideal pH: 5–7
    Hardness: 18–215 ppm
    Ideal temperature: 20–28 °C
    Ease of Care
    Easy. This tropical fish is great for hobbyist at all levels however they do need excellent water conditions as they are not a particularly hardy or long-lived fish, and can be quite sensitive to different water chemistry, especially when initially acclimatising. A lower pH of around 6.5 is recommended.
    Feeding
    Omnivorous. The main food we recommend would be flake crushed up or small granules. As the Neon Tetra's are small they cannot take big granules. Occasional live or frozen food can be given as a treat, such as bloodworm and daphnia.
    Compatibility
    Community with fish of a similar size. They feel most comfortable when in a shoal of other Neon's. Popular tankmates include guppies, white cloud mountain minnow, harlequin rasbora.
    Breeding
    Breeding may be challenging, because special water parameters are required. For successful breeding a tank with soft water 1-2 dGH and pH 5.0 – 6.0 is required. If the tank water is harder, neon tetra eggs won’t get inseminated.
    Life Span
    Because Neon Tetra are quite intensively bred in captivity, they are not considered a particularly hardy or long-lived fish. Neon Tetra have a lifespan of 1-3 years in perfect conditions.

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    About Zebra Danio

    About Zebra Danio

    The Zebra Danio, danio rerio, also known as the zebrafish, is a tropical fish belonging to the minnow family Cyprinidae. Zebra Danios are distributed across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nepal. It is so named due to the striped patterning on the body. Danios are a shoaling species that can encourage timid species to venture out, and have been referred to as 'dither fish' due to their active nature. There are a few colour variations of zebra danio's available, including shades of gold and dark blue - colour will be supplied at random subject to availability.

    In the wild, the danio's are found in along the surface of small, clear rivers and hill streams. Zebra Danio's are a very hardy fish that like to shoal together which makes them great for beginners. They are suitable for indoor cold/temperate water tanks also.

    Where do Zebra Danio fish originate from?
    Where do Zebra Danios come from? Danios, fishes belonging to the family Cyprinidae, are believed to originate from south and southeast Asia. You will find the Zebra Danio in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal and across southern Asia. Over the years Danios have been traditionally one of the most popular tropical fish kept by hobbyists.

    Are Zebra Danios fin-nippers, will they nip the fins of other fish?
    Danios may have small bouts of fin-nipping with any long-finned tank mates but this should not be too serious. Pearl Danios have a very small mouth, so any damage will be fairly limited and is unlikely to persist. Fancy goldfish do make suitable tank mates, however as a precaution it is not generally recommended that they are kept with slow-swimming long-finned tankmates. 


    Features

    Approx. size: 2-4cm / 1-2"
    Maximum size: 5cm / 2"
    Origin: Asia
    Family: Cyprinidae
    Temperament: Peaceful
    Lighting requirement: low
    Ideal number kept together: 6+ schooling

    Water conditions
    Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 20°C
    Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
    Ideal temperature: 16–25°C
    Waterflow: low to moderate

    Ease of care
    Easy. They can adapt very well to changes in water temperature and conditions. Slight fin-nipping tendencies.

    Diet
    The main food we recommend would be flake or pellets. They can occasionally have live or frozen foods.

    Compatibility

    Community of similar size. They feel most comfortable when in a shoal of other Danios.

    Breeding/ Sex
    Moderate as they are egg layers with minimal parental care.

    Life Span

    Danios have a lifespan of anything from 2-3 years in perfect conditions.

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