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Zebra DanioVSOscar Fish

Can they live together? Complete Compatibility Analysis

Compatibility Score
5
🚫 Do Not Mix

Zebra Danios and Oscar Fish are fundamentally incompatible due to extreme differences in size, temperament, and environmental needs. Oscars are large, aggressive, predatory cichlids that will eat smaller tankmates. Zebra Danios are small, active schooling fish requiring very different water parameters.

Potential Issues
  • •Oscar Fish will view Zebra Danios as live food and will hunt and eat them.
  • •Oscars require warm, soft, acidic water while Danios prefer cooler, harder, neutral to slightly alkaline water.
  • •The immense size difference and predatory nature of the Oscar make cohabitation impossible.
Tank Requirements
Temperature
Cannot be reconciled. Oscar: 74-81°F (23-27°C), Danio: 64-75°F (18-24°C).
pH Level
Cannot be reconciled. Oscar: 6.0-7.5 (soft, acidic), Danio: 6.8-7.8 (harder, neutral).
Minimum Tank Size
Minimum 75 gallons for a single Oscar, but a tank this size is unsuitable for the active swimming needs of Danios with a predator present.

About Zebra Danio and Oscar Fish

When considering adding Oscar Fish to a tank with Zebra Danio, it's crucial to understand their specific needs. Zebra Danios and Oscar Fish are fundamentally incompatible due to extreme differences in size, temperament, and environmental needs. Oscars are large, aggressive, predatory cichlids that will eat smaller tankmates. Zebra Danios are small, active schooling fish requiring very different water parameters.

Key Differences

  • Zebra Danio: Requires 10 gallons minimum. Usually prefers tropical water conditions.
  • Oscar Fish: Requires 55 gallons minimum. Usually prefers tropical water conditions.

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