Zebra Danio question.

[bunebop]

Hi. So I got 5 zebra danios yesterday and theyre in a tank w/ a betta and a buncha feeder guppies (I felt bad for em in the crowded tank and did not want them to be eaten) it's a 12-13 gallon hex tank. Not sure which. W/ a good filter and heater etc and bubbles since i know hex's are really good about suffocating fish. My question is if zebra danios have to be in groups. I got the 4 that the store had, but one is smaller than the other 4 and being chased around a picked on quite a bit by the others. I have a 50 gallon tank which is still doing a fishless cycle, so I cannot put them in there... but I also have an established 10 gallon w/ another betta, 2 cory cats and a bushy nosed pleco. Would you recommend separating the little danio into the 10 gallon until he grows up? Or should I just leave him? I think the 10 gallon is just about at it's limit of fish.. the 2-3" betta + 2 2.5" corys and about a 5" pleco. But I dunno what else to do till my 50 gallons ready. Thanks.

 

[savga]

I keep a few danios and I have found that they do enjoy the company of their own kind. They don't exactly form a school like neon tetras but they are much more relaxed and adventurous in a group. I think the small one would do better staying with his own kind. They should calm down once the dominant ones establish themselves.

 

[bunebop]

Alright thanks. I'm just gonna watch him really closely. I called a couple fish stores to get their opinions as well and that's also what they said. SO I'll leave em.

 

[mikemou]

my smallest zebra was attacked by other 6 and had tail damages. it took him about one month to re-grow. he swims fast enough now to run away from danger.

 

[bunebop]

I have a breeder net i could put on the inside of the tank to at least keep him separeted? Do you think that would be a good idea? or just let him be?

 

[krap101]

cant u return him and get another one when they get more?

 

[bunebop]

No, it's too late They seem to be getting along better now. I haven't noticed him being chased around as much... so hopefully he'll be fine and grow up and pick on the others back or something.

 

[RocketSeason]

just keep them together. When your 50 gallon is done cycling, stick them in there with 4 or so more. they get along pretty well with each other and the ones that survive the first couple of months will live happily together for years.

I love zebra Danios. They are so cute the way the chase each other and play all day. Enjoy your new pets!

 

[bunebop]

I dunno about the zebra danios going into the 50. I already know what I wanted to put in there. I am considering skipping getting the rasborras or tetras and just going for the danios. I'll have to see. Thanks for all the advice!