Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus) – Tank Bred

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The Pearl Danio is a fish that rewards patience and thoughtful aquascaping. Initially subtle, its beauty reveals itself through movement and light—soft pearlescent tones that shift between silver, blush pink, and hints of blue as the fish school through the upper and midwater. Tank bred for consistency and adaptability, Pearl Danios are peaceful, energetic, and perfectly suited for planted and community aquariums where balance and motion matter as much as bold color.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Refined Iridescence: A gentle pearl sheen that intensifies under good lighting and stable conditions.
• Active Schooling Behavior: Constant, graceful motion adds life to the aquarium.
• Peaceful Community Nature: An excellent fit for mixed-species tanks.
• Tank-Bred Reliability: Hardy, adaptable, and beginner-friendly without feeling basic.

Natural Habitat:

The original Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus) was first documented in slow-moving streams and river margins of Southeast Asia, where dense aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, and filtered light are common. These habitats are typically well-oxygenated with gentle flow—conditions that translate beautifully into a thoughtfully designed aquarium.

Aquascaping:

Pearl Danios thrive in aquariums that feel open yet alive, offering uninterrupted swimming lanes paired with layered structure.

Begin with a planted layout that blends flowing background plants and anchored midground growth. Vallisneria and tall stem plants create vertical movement and guide schooling behavior, while Java Fern and Anubias attached to driftwood add structure without crowding open water. Leave clear pathways through the center and upper portions of the tank—this is where Pearl Danios truly shine.

Hardscape should feel soft and river-worn. Smooth stones, rounded river rock, and branching driftwood help break sightlines and create depth without interrupting flow.

Finish the scene with Aquatic Arts–branded botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, and Alder Cones. These add subtle tannins, visual warmth, and microhabitats that support a stable, natural ecosystem. As the botanicals age, they reinforce a calm environment that encourages confident behavior and improved coloration.

Diet and Feeding:

Pearl Danios are enthusiastic omnivores. They readily accept high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and small granules. For optimal color and condition, supplement with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or cyclops.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

An excellent choice for peaceful community aquariums. Compatible with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful loaches, livebearers, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Generally compatible with adult freshwater shrimp in well-established aquariums. Due to their active nature, very small shrimp fry may be at risk without dense plant cover, mosses, or hardscape hiding areas. Heavily planted layouts significantly improve shrimp survival and overall tank harmony.

Breeding:

Pearl Danios are egg scatterers and can be bred in a dedicated setup using fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not provide parental care, so eggs should be protected for best results.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°–78°F (22°–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• KH: 3–10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; feed small portions once or twice daily.
• Social Behavior: Schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
• Origin: Tank Bred
• Average Adult Size: ~2 inches (5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3 cm)

Q & A

Are Pearl Danios good for beginners?
Yes. Tank-bred Pearl Danios are hardy, adaptable, and forgiving of minor mistakes, making them an excellent choice for newer aquarists who still want an active, engaging fish.

How many Pearl Danios should be kept together?
They are schooling fish and do best in groups of six or more. Larger groups result in more confident behavior and more visible schooling patterns.

Do Pearl Danios need a planted tank?
While they can survive without plants, they truly thrive in planted aquariums. Plants provide visual security, encourage natural behavior, and enhance their coloration.

Are Pearl Danios aggressive?
No. They are peaceful by nature and rarely show aggression, making them ideal for community aquariums.

Do Pearl Danios jump?
Like many active schooling fish, they can jump if startled. A tight-fitting lid is recommended.

Will Pearl Danios eat shrimp?
They generally coexist well with adult shrimp. Very small shrimp fry may be eaten if hiding spaces are limited, which is why dense planting and mosses are strongly recommended.

What part of the tank do Pearl Danios use most?
They primarily occupy the upper and midwater levels, adding movement and balance above bottom-dwelling species.

How long do Pearl Danios live?
With proper care, stable water parameters, and a balanced diet, Pearl Danios commonly live 3–5 years.

Do Pearl Danios show better color over time?
Yes. As they settle in and mature, their pearlescent sheen becomes more pronounced, especially under good lighting and in well-maintained aquariums.

Why We Think You’ll Love Them:

Pearl Danios are for aquarists who appreciate motion over flash and harmony over excess. In the right aquascape, they don’t just occupy the tank—they define its rhythm.

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