<P> The zebrafish is named for the five uniform , pigmented , horizontal , blue stripes on the side of the body , which are reminiscent of a zebra 's stripes , and which extend to the end of the caudal fin . Its shape is fusiform and laterally compressed , with its mouth directed upwards . The male is torpedo - shaped , with gold stripes between the blue stripes ; the female has a larger , whitish belly and silver stripes instead of gold . Adult females exhibit a small genital papilla in front of the anal fin origin . The zebrafish can grow to 6.4 cm ( 2.5 in ) in length , although it seldom grows larger than 4 cm ( 1.6 in ) in captivity . Its lifespan in captivity is around two to three years , although in ideal conditions , this may be extended to over five years . </P>
<P> The zebrafish is named for the five uniform , pigmented , horizontal , blue stripes on the side of the body , which are reminiscent of a zebra 's stripes , and which extend to the end of the caudal fin . Its shape is fusiform and laterally compressed , with its mouth directed upwards . The male is torpedo - shaped , with gold stripes between the blue stripes ; the female has a larger , whitish belly and silver stripes instead of gold . Adult females exhibit a small genital papilla in front of the anal fin origin . The zebrafish can grow to 6.4 cm ( 2.5 in ) in length , although it seldom grows larger than 4 cm ( 1.6 in ) in captivity . Its lifespan in captivity is around two to three years , although in ideal conditions , this may be extended to over five years . </P>
what is the size of the largest zebrafish
what is the size of the largest zebrafish
6.4 cm ( 2.5 in )
6.4 cm ( 2.5 in )