Leopard Long Fin Danio (Danio rerio 'Frankei')

From Pet Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Leopard Long Fin Danio
Danio rerio 'Frankei'
Leopard Long Fin Danio (Danio rerio 'Frankei')
Name Leopard Long Fin Danio
Name Lat. Danio rerio 'Frankei'
Synonym Brachydanio frankei
Family Danios
Family lat. Danionidae
Order Carps
Order lat. Cypriniformes
Origin South Asia
Habitat Streams, ponds
Diet Carnivore
pH 6.0-8.0
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Group
Care Level Easy
Reproduction Egg scatterer
Breeding Simple
Life Span 3-5 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 4-6 cm
Temperature 18-25 °C
Hardness 5-20 °dH
Aquarium ~ 60 l
US Units
Size 1.6"-2.4"
Temperature 64-77 °F
Hardness 89-356 ppm
Aquarium ~ 15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The veil leopard danio is a breeding form. The leopard danio is probably a morph of the zebra danio (Danio rerio), in which the black stripes are resolved into single dots. The zebra danios are widespread in the Near East of India, from Pakistan to Myanmar. They live in slow-flowing streams with dense, overhanging riparian vegetation, in ponds, rice paddies and floodplains.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer much swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In the wild they feed mainly on worms, insects and small crustaceans. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, mosquito larvae or artemia (live or frozen).

Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are swimming and lively fish that are well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably much more Leopard danios should be kept together

Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Males are more slender and intensely colored, while females are larger and more plump

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners that do not engage in brood care. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns (400-500 eggs) among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after a few days.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The leopard danio is traded as Danio frankei (Meinken, 1963), but is not recognized as a distinct species by experts. It is also disputed whether it is a natural population or a breeding form.

The tank should be well covered, because they like to jump.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch  

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF