Quagga Danio

Danio quagga is named for the extinct zebra-like quagga of Africa, a fitting tribute to its unusual pattern of multiple dark vertical bars across a silver-white body — a stark departure from the horizontal stripes seen in most danios. This barring gives it a boldness and distinctiveness that makes it stand out in a mixed cyprinid community.

Native to hill streams and tributaries of Myanmar, it shares the robust constitution and fast-swimming habits of the genus. In the aquarium it thrives in groups of eight or more, schooling actively across the mid-water with bursts of speed and frequent sparring between males that rarely results in injury.

The Quagga Danio is an excellent conversation piece for the informed hobbyist, offering something visually different from the typical striped danio while remaining just as undemanding and community-friendly.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; good oxygenation and filtration are important for this active species. Tank: Minimum 60 L; open midwater swimming space essential; plants along sides and back provide security without restricting movement. Feeding: Accepts flake, micro-pellets, and frozen micro-foods; supplement with live daphnia or cyclops for best colouration. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; follows typical danio breeding pattern over fine plants; relatively straightforward for experienced keepers. Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; best kept with other active, similarly sized species; avoids slow, long-finned tankmates.