The zebrafish’s scientific name is Danio rerio.
This small tropical fish is native to freshwater streams, ponds, and rice fields in parts of South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its striped body inspired the common name “zebrafish.”
Danio rerio became a major laboratory model because it is small, inexpensive to keep, and produces many transparent eggs. Scientists can observe early development directly through the embryo’s clear body. Its genes and organs also share important similarities with those of other vertebrates, including humans.
The zebrafish is sometimes confused with the pearl danio, Danio albolineatus, which is a different species. “Zebrafish” refers specifically to Danio rerio, while “danio” is a broader common name used for several related fishes.