Pearl Danio

Danio albolineatus
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Burma, Sumatra, Thailand
Adult Size: 2 inches (6 cm)
Social: Peaceful schooling fish
Lifespan: 5 years
Tank Level: All levels
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon
Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods
Breeding: Egglayer
Care: Easy
pH: 6.5 - 7.0
Hardness: 5-12 dGH
Temperature: 64-74 F (18-24 C)

If you’ve seen a Pearl Danio you know the iridescent colors it’s named for make it one of the most attractive freshwater fish. Its pearly blue-violet hued body is accented by an orange-red stripe running from tail to mid-body. Males are smaller, slimmer, and more colorful, often showing a red tint along the ventral aspect. A yellow ochre color variant, known as the 'Yellow Danio', is available in some locations.

Pearl Danios have a forked tail, paired barbels, and reach a maximum length of two inches (6 cm). They are live for approximately five years. An extremely hardy and easy to care for fish, Pearls make an excellent beginner fish. They are peaceful, and well suited to community tanks with other small to medium sized fish. Like others of the Danio family, Pearls live in schools and should always be kept in groups of four or more.

Originating from fast moving streams and rivers of Burma, Thailand, and Sumatra, the Pearl Danio is accustomed to a strong water current and ample swimming room. Because they require a slightly higher oxygen level than other Danios, good filtration is important. Pearls tolerate cooler temperatures well, and may be kept in an unheated tank.

They swim at all levels, but due to their propensity for jumping, the tank should be well covered. Longer tanks are preferable, with plants along the back and sides. Their iridescent colors are most visible under reflected, overhead lighting. They are particularly fond of early morning sunlight. Although undemanding about water parameters, they do best in neutral water that is soft to slightly hard.

Pearls will accept all types of live, frozen, and flake food. In nature their diet consists primarily of insects and zooplankton. To maintain health, feed good quality tropical flake or granulated food, as well as frozen and live foods such as Tubifex, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and Daphnia

Pearl Danios are an easy to breed egg laying fish. The female is fuller-bodied, while males are noticeably smaller and more colorful. Like other Danios, when breeding pairs form they are very loyal. The breeding tank should be warm, 79-86F(26-30C), and the water level shallow, about four to six inches (10-15 cm). Fine-leaved plants should be provided, either floating or planted in a group. Marbles make an excellent substrate that will allow stray eggs to fall out of the reach of hungry adult fish.

Pearl Danios will spawn as pairs or in a school. Half as many females as males should be placed in the breeding tank several days before introducing the males. Once the males are added, pairs will form and leave the group to scatter eggs among the plants. Remove the adults as soon as spawning is completed, otherwise they consume their own eggs.

Keep the tank dark while the eggs develop, to prevent fungal growth. The fry will emerge in 36 to 48 hours and should be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp or infusoria. Young grow rapidly and will be free-swimming in six to seven days. They may be raised on finely ground dry food or commercially prepared fry food.