Which relatives of Danio rerio exemplify extreme miniaturization, maturing at only 1 to 1.5 cm?

Answer

Danionella and Paedocypris

The subfamily Danioninae, which houses *Danio rerio*, exhibits fascinating morphological diversity, particularly concerning body size. While the zebrafish reaches a modest 4–5 cm, its relatives include larger forms like *Devario aequipinnatus* (giant danio) reaching 13 cm. More remarkably, the subfamily contains some of the smallest known vertebrates, specifically species within the genera *Danionella* and *Paedocypris*. These extremely miniaturized fish are notable because they reach sexual maturity while still retaining a larval-like form, measuring only 1 to 1.5 cm in length. Evidence suggests that this extreme trait of miniaturization evolved independently at least twice within different lineages of the subfamily.

Which relatives of Danio rerio exemplify extreme miniaturization, maturing at only 1 to 1.5 cm?

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speciesevolutionfishGeneticszebrafish