When it comes to small, striped fish, there are a few common varieties that come to mind. Some of the most popular small, striped fish include:
Zebra Danio
The zebra danio is one of the most popular small, striped fish in the aquarium trade. These fish are native to South Asia and typically grow to around 2-3 inches long. They have a silver body with four blue horizontal stripes running the length of their body. Zebra danios are very hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are active schooling fish that do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. Zebra danios are omnivores and will eat both flake food and live foods like brine shrimp. They breed readily in the home aquarium and are often used as starter fish for cycling new tanks.
Tiger Barb
Another common striped aquarium fish is the tiger barb. Like the zebra danio, tiger barbs come from South Asia. They get their name from the bold black stripes contrasting with their orange-yellow body color. Tiger barbs grow to around 2-2.5 inches in length when fully grown. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 5-6 or more barbs. Tiger barbs tend to be nippy with long-finned fish but do well with other similar-sized fish. They eat a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods. Tiger barbs breed easily in soft, acidic water.
Clown Loach
The clown loach is a popular striped bottom-dwelling fish. Unlike the previous two fish, it grows much larger, reaching up to 12 inches. Clown loaches have an elongated body shape with three thick black bands across orange-red bodies. They are native to Indonesia and nearby islands. Clown loaches live 10-15 years with proper care. They are peaceful community fish but need to be kept in small schools of 3-5 fish. Clown loaches eat live, frozen and prepared foods and appreciate having driftwood and caves in their tank.
Bumblebee Goby
Bumblebee gobies are small, striped fish native to Hawaii. They reach around 3 inches in length and have a brown body with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes. Bumblebee gobies dwell on the bottom of the tank and have a majorly carnivorous diet. They will accept frozen and live meaty foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. While small, bumblebee gobies are territorial toward their own kind and do best singly or in male-female pairs. They require brackish water conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the most popular small, striped fish species kept in home aquariums include zebra danios, tiger barbs, clown loaches, and bumblebee gobies. When selecting any striped fish, it’s important research their proper care, diet, tank size, and compatibility with other fish. Providing for their specific needs will result in healthy, thriving striped fish in your aquarium.