Pearl danio
Danio albolineatus
The pearl danio (Danio albolineatus) is an active, peaceful schooling fish from South and Southeast Asia. Iridescent silver-pink to blue lines along the body give it its name, although colour and pattern vary by locality and trade line. It reaches about 5.5 cm standard length and uses open swimming space. Keep a group in a long aquarium with a very secure cover: this species can jump through small gaps. It suits a community tank with appropriately sized companions, but is a poor choice for a small or open aquarium. Plan for adult size and jumping behaviour rather than the small juvenile size seen in shops. Give the group room to swim together and ensure subordinate fish are not repeatedly driven from cover. Observe the shoal after introduction and adjust the layout before stress becomes chronic.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 16–25 °C
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- GH
- 1–20 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 90 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 81 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 8–10 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
The accepted name is Danio albolineatus; the original name was Nuria albolineata, and older aquarium literature also uses Brachydanio albolineatus. The specialist profile gives an adult size of about 55 mm standard length. The slender body may shimmer pink, silver or blue and often has pale iridescent longitudinal stripes. Tone varies with population, condition and light. Females become fuller when carrying eggs; males colour up during courtship. The current species concept may include closely related forms that differ by locality. Some traded fish may be hybrids with D. roseus, so colour alone is not a reliable identification.Natural habitat
Records cover Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. The fish inhabits varied freshwater environments, from clear, oxygenated forest streams over rocks to still ponds, ditches and rice paddies. This diversity helps explain its broad care range, but does not make every aquarium environment equivalent. A setup can provide both flow and sheltered areas. Geographic colour differences and uncertainty among populations are reasons not to present trade forms as separate species without evidence.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish recommends a minimum base of 90 × 30 cm and about 81 litres for this active swimmer. Footprint and swimming length matter more than volume alone. Fit a secure lid with no gaps: danios are accomplished jumpers and can escape through surprisingly small openings. A planted layout with darker substrate, rock, wood and attached Microsorum, Bolbitis or Anubias offers structure. Do not plant so densely that the swimming route disappears. Some flow is appropriate, but torrent-like conditions are unnecessary; include calmer margins too.Water conditions
The specialist care range is 16–25 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and GH 1–20 dGH. These are broad limits, not targets to cycle between. Keep conditions stable and take account of the fish’s origin and previous water. For spawning, the source describes slightly acidic to neutral water and temperatures toward the warmer end; that is breeding context, not a replacement for the general maintenance range. Avoid rapid changes in temperature or pH.Behaviour and group size
Pearl danios are peaceful, active schooling fish. Keep at least eight to ten; larger groups often reduce nervousness and show more natural schooling behaviour. Choose tank mates by adult size, swimming zone, temperament and water needs. At about 5.5 cm standard length, pearl danios are unsuitable with very tiny animals that could become prey. They can live in a well-furnished community aquarium, but persistent hiding or missed meals indicate the setup or mix needs review.Feeding
Wild fish feed mainly on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae; small amounts of algae and plant matter have also been recorded. In aquaria they accept many foods. A good complete dry food can be the staple, supplemented with small portions of live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia. Size portions to the fish and avoid food being swept away uneaten. A varied diet supports condition; one dry product does not need to make up the entire menu.Breeding
Pearl danios scatter eggs and provide no parental care. A few fry may appear in a mature, densely planted tank, but adults eat the eggs. Deliberate breeding uses a separate dimly lit tank with mesh or fine-leaved material, such as Java moss, so eggs fall out of reach. Remove the adults after spawning. Depending on conditions, eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours; larvae first need microscopic food before moving on to larger prey such as Artemia nauplii.Suitable plants
Java fern
Seriously Fish lists Microsorum as a hardy plant that can grow attached to décor. Attach the rhizome to wood or rock and retain swimming space for this active danio. This is a practical aquarium pairing, not a claim that both species always coexist in the wild.
- Light
- Low, Moderate
- CO₂
- CO₂ injection not needed
Suitable products
Recommended staple foods
Tropical Supervit Basic 100ml
Complete dry food suited to this active danio; offer portions that are eaten promptly.
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Tropical Dafnia 100ml
Dried Daphnia for supplementary variety; use alongside other foods.
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Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .