Zebra danios from Petsmart

**gronlaura** · 03-21-2013, 09:55 PM

Once I have my water dGH where it should be at 10 (it's currently at 6, should take about 2 more weeks to reach 10 with bi-weekly PWCs), I was thinking of adding 4-6 more zebra danios. Because I only have 2 survivors, they are still not playing nice with the other fish.

Has anyone purchased fish at Petsmart or Petco, particularly zebra danios? I hesitate to get them from my LFS as I lost 7 of the 9 I got from them within 48 hours. I think it was stress, as it took her 25 minutes to catch 6 danios and the whole danio tank was in a panic. I know they get crazy when the fish net appears, but the tank was beyond crazy. No problem netting the scissortails, tetras, BNs or rainbows, just the danios. Is it possible they died from the stress of being netted and transported?

Should I consider purchasing zebra danios from Petsmart or Petco?

**Limming** · 03-21-2013, 10:16 PM

The Petco in my area is much better then my LFS. Just go into the store and look at the tanks just like any other LFS, if they appear fine then there's no more risk then a local shop.

**CrunchyLeaf** · 03-22-2013, 12:12 AM

I have purchased all of my fish from my local Petsmart. In my experience the employees are not at all knowledgeable about the fish, but their fish always look extremely healthy. I have never seen a dead fish in their tanks and the employees appear to be able to net the fish with minimal stress. I even had one several months ago net the only two neon tetras in a tank full of guppies in seconds without netting the wrong fish or chasing them around the tank several times.

**ijankrom** · 03-22-2013, 06:08 AM

In addition to what's been said already when you go in next to purchase fish ask if you can net them. That is if you feel comfortable doing it. If not and there's several employees, take some time and watch them net fish for other customers. Pick the one that's quick yet still gentle and does not appear to stress the fish. Don't have that employee who is constantly chasing the fish around with the net net your fish.

**gronlaura** · 03-22-2013, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by ijankrom

In addition to what's been said already when you go in next to purchase fish ask if you can net them. That is if you feel comfortable doing it. If not and there's several employees, take some time and watch them net fish for other customers. Pick the one that's quick yet still gentle and does not appear to stress the fish. Don't have that employee who is constantly chasing the fish around with the net net your fish.

That's a great idea. The danios were my first purchase. I shouldn't have taken them home - they should have been returned to the tank. Lesson learned the hard way, for me & the fish.

**MrJim** · 03-23-2013, 09:05 AM

I've gotten most of my danios at the local Petsmart~~they're doing great and are great underrated fish...and the more the merrier with these guys :D

**steeler1** · 03-23-2013, 11:40 AM

I have not had the best of luck with Zebra danios the last few years. Before there was a fishless cycle, I used to use them to seed my tanks but he ones I've gotten from my LFS get a certain size and start wasting away.

**Taurus** · 03-23-2013, 04:37 PM

I agree with steeler1. The zebra danios I've see lately look terrible. Having said that, I've seen some really nice looking leopard danios (Danio frankei). Leopard danios have dark spots instead of the stripes. The leopards are more appealing to me and seem to be much healthier because they're not over breed or a color morph of the zebra danio.

**steeler1** · 03-23-2013, 07:24 PM

I always thought the Spotted Danio would be nice to keep but for supposedly being a common hardy fish, I never see them.

**mizzoutank** · 03-23-2013, 10:09 PM

I shop at my local petco for 80% of my fish.

Their tanks aren't the greatest, but since I QT-that helps and their 30day money back promise is the reason I go there.
my local lfs' don't have that option.