Pearl Danio

The Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus) is a graceful, iridescent little fish prized for its shimmering, pearly body sheen that catches the light with hints of pink, blue and lavender as it moves. A faint pale stripe runs along the flanks from head to tail, and the fins often carry a soft orange-pink flush, especially in males. Fast-moving and constantly active, Pearl Danios bring a lively shimmer of colour and motion to any tank, and their peaceful, hardy nature makes them a firm favourite for community aquariums.

Maximum adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm

Temperament: Peaceful and highly active. Pearl Danios are a true shoaling species and should always be kept in groups of six or more; in smaller numbers they can become skittish and stressed. They are constant swimmers and do best with plenty of open water to move through, alongside other peaceful, similarly active tankmates.

Difficulty of care: Easy. Pearl Danios are hardy, adaptable and tolerant of a range of water conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginners as well as busy community tanks.

Preferred Temperature: 20–25 °C

Preferred pH of water: 6.5–7.5. Pearl Danios are adaptable to a range of water chemistry and do not require particularly soft or hard water to thrive.

Type of breeding: Egg-scatterer. Pearl Danios show no parental care and will readily eat their own eggs, so a dedicated breeding setup with fine-leaved plants, mesh or marbles to protect the eggs is recommended for successful spawning. Eggs typically hatch within 24–48 hours, with fry becoming free-swimming a few days later.

Pearl Danios are best kept in a tank with plenty of length to accommodate their energetic swimming, along with a tight-fitting lid, as they are accomplished jumpers. A planted setup with open swimming space at the front and plants or décor towards the back suits them well, and moderate water movement helps replicate their natural preference for flowing water.

They are omnivorous and easy to feed, accepting good-quality flakes and small pellets without fuss. Their diet can be varied with small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm to support colouration and conditioning, particularly if breeding is planned.