Danios swimming at top of tank

Q: Why are my danios swimming at the top of the tank?

Usually, your fish goes to the top when hes not getting enough oxygen. Unlike you, he uses his gills to breathe the air thats already in the water. However, in some circumstances, theres not enough oxygen in the tank for all of the fish to breathe easily.

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Why are my danios swimming at the top of the tank?
How do I know if my zebra danios are stressed?
What part of tank do danios swim in?
Are danios top dwellers?

06-11-2013, 09:32 PM

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Location: Peyton, CO

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New Danios at Top of Tank

I bought a couple of Danios today; they have long fins and forked tails. I've never had this type of fish before. Ever since I've put them in the tank, they're swimming at the top. Out of all of the fish I've stocked since I established my tank, I've never seen this behavior. Is this normal, or is something wrong? I took 1.5 hour to acclimate them to the water before putting them in.

Thanks-D

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06-11-2013, 09:54 PM

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It's normal. Danios are weird

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06-11-2013, 11:58 PM

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The zebra danios I have spend the majority of their time in the top third. During lights out, they will hang out just below the surface.

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06-12-2013, 06:03 AM

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Yeah mine swim at the top usually. Unless I throw some tasty treats in the tank for the plecos and loaches, and then they all come down for a snack.

I remember from my time studying at the national marine aquarium, you can tell if a fish is a top level fish or mid level fish by its colouring. Top level fish are pale on their undersides and dark on the top so they can't be seen looking down into the water or up from underneath. Little fact for you!

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06-12-2013, 08:51 AM

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Thanks all. When I first put them in, one explored a little but now just swims at the top with his friend. They ate okay, but I've never seen fish that just stay at the top the whole time!
I appreciate the responses-D

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06-12-2013, 12:30 PM

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When I had danios before, the first months I noticed that they stayed at the top too. I had a school of 10. Then when time passedand they were more comfortable with their tank they got more and more hyper and chased each other all over the tank 24-7. They used to drive my other fish crazy with all of that activity, especially the rasboras.

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06-12-2013, 03:12 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vespasianus

Oh shoot, I don't want fish that will stress out everyone else. My tank is pretty peaceful right now other than minor skirmishes between the black skirted tetras. I'm glad I only got 2. Thanks-D

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06-12-2013, 03:19 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamroper

Oh shoot, I don't want fish that will stress out everyone else. My tank is pretty peaceful right now other than minor skirmishes between the black skirted tetras. I'm glad I only got 2. Thanks-D

I wouldn't say they would stress them just that when they made their "carousel" as I called it where they chased each other arounc all through the tank or their "highway" where they suddenly took off like a drag race all the others had to get out of their way or if theother fishes were say, sleeping, they would get awakened by the crazy danios, funniest thing ever

. In fact if you can manage the stocking and there is no space constraints I would get more, they will liven up your tank like you have no idea. They are the life of the party, they make even the laziest fish move and that's why I loved them.

EDIT: In fact talking to you about them is making me consider getting some again

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06-12-2013, 08:15 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vespasianus

EDIT: In fact talking to you about them is making me consider getting some again

They

are

pretty cool. The ones that I have are long and have flowing fins and tails. Do you know what kind they are? They still had 3 more left at the fish store. I might take your advice and go back and get them tomorrow. They're starting to get a little braver now. You know corys and the black skirted tetras tear around the tank like little maniacs too sometimes!

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Why are my danios swimming at the top of the tank?

Usually, your fish goes to the top when he's not getting enough oxygen. Unlike you, he uses his gills to breathe the air that's already in the water. However, in some circumstances, there's not enough oxygen in the tank for all of the fish to breathe easily.

How do I know if my zebra danios are stressed?

Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.

What part of tank do danios swim in?

Typical Behavior Zebra danios are active, playful fish that get on well with most fish in a community tank. The zebra danios swim quickly around the upper and middle sections of the tank, and are diurnal, meaning they're more active in the day than at night.

Are danios top dwellers?

The Zebra Danios are very energetic top dwellers, famous for being able to jump out of the tank. That's because they mainly stay on top, especially when they're hoping for food as someone approaches the tank. If by bottom feeders you mean that Zebra Danios eat leftovers, then that's another story.