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Pearl Danio - Danio albolineatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus) is an exceptional fish for beginners and a delightful addition to any community aquarium. Their peaceful nature and adaptability to varying water parameters make them an ideal choice. However, it's unfortunate that many hobbyists often overlook these fantastic fish.
As a naturally shoaling species, Pearl Danios thrive when kept in groups of six or more individuals. So, depending on your aquarium size and stocking levels, try to keep as many of these charming fish as possible. When in a large group, individuals will continually chase and interact with one another as part of their social communication. Although it may appear aggressive, injuries are rare, and it's a natural behaviour that should be encouraged.
However, if you keep them in numbers less than five, the playful chasing seen in larger groups may become stressful for the less dominant individuals. In addition, in solitary confinement, Pearl Danios may become nervous and hover in the top corners of the aquarium. Therefore, keeping them in a group of six or more is vital to ensure their well-being and happiness.
Fortunately, tankmates for Pearl Danios are not much of a problem as they get along with most other fish in the aquarium hobby. They can be housed with medium-sized Cyprinids, Tetras, Livebearers, Rainbowfish, Anabantoids, Catfish, and Loaches. They can also be used as dither fish for many smaller, less aggressive Cichlids, such as Kribensis, Keyhole Cichlids, and Flag Acaras.
It's important to note that due to their high activity levels and shoaling nature, Pearl Danios should not be maintained in any less than a 75-litre aquarium. The larger the aquarium, the better, and they thrive in standard aquariums ranging from 110 to 285 litres.
The Pearl Danio's pearl-like sheen on their bodies and various beautiful colour schemes make them a stunning sight in any aquarium. Most individuals possess an iridescent pink or purple body with a yellow or neon-orange stripe that runs down one-third or more of their body length to the caudal fin. They also have yellow or neon-orange eyes, hints of olive on the body, and subtle hints of yellow in their fins.
In summary, the Pearl Danio is a fantastic addition to any aquarium due to their peaceful nature, adaptability, and stunning appearance. Don't overlook these incredible fish, and consider adding them to your aquarium community.
Pearl Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Pearl Danios is a straightforward process. Sexually mature females are typically slightly larger, have rounder bellies, and display less vibrant colouration than their male counterparts. These distinctions become more apparent during the spawning period when males intensify in colour and females' abdomens become distended with eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio albolineatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1860 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar Indonesia Laos Cambodia Vietnam Malaysia Thailand |
| Max Size | 6.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 19 |
| TDS | 18 - 357 |
| ℉ | 60 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 15 - 25 |
The Pearl Danio has been featured on the following stamps.
Featured Species
Natural habitat
Pearl Danios can be found thriving in a variety of locations throughout Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Sumatra, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and Thailand. In addition, these exceptional fish inhabit numerous major river drainages, including the Mekong, Irrawaddy, Salween, Chao Phraya, and the Mae Klong.
Their habitats include well-oxygenated, crystal-clear streams with rocky substrates, forested areas, and still bodies of water such as ditches, ponds, and rice paddies. It's a delightful sight to witness these gorgeous fish swimming gracefully along the water's surface, showcasing their natural beauty in their natural habitats.
By understanding their native environments, we can provide the best possible conditions for these fascinating fish in our aquariums. It's always essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible to ensure their well-being and happiness in our care.
How to breed the Pearl Danio
Pearl Danios, like many other Cyprinids, are egg-scattering spawners and do not display parental care towards their young. In a well-conditioned aquarium, these fish will often spawn, and you may find small numbers of fry appearing without any intervention. However, if you want to increase the number of fry, you will need a more controlled approach.
To breed Pearl Danios, you will need to condition the adult group together and set up a separate breeding tank that is dimly lit and half-filled with water. The bottom of the tank should be covered with a mesh or fine-leaved plants such as java moss, which allows eggs to fall through but prevents adults from reaching them. The water in the breeding tank should be slightly acidic to neutral, and the temperature should be somewhat higher than in the main aquarium. Initially, you can use a small power filter positioned to direct the flow down the entire tank length.
Once the adults are well-conditioned on live and frozen food, and the females appear gravid, introduce one or two pairs into the breeding tank. You can initiate spawning by adding small amounts of cool water every few hours to top up the tank gradually. The pair should spawn the following morning, and the eggs will usually hatch between 24 to 36 hours later. The adults will consume any eggs they find, so removing them after a couple of days is best. To avoid the fry being sucked into the filter, replace the power filter with a mature sponge-type unit.
The incubation period is temperature-dependent, and the babies will become free-swimming a few days after hatching. Initially, feed the fry with Paramecium or a crushed dry food of small size, and gradually introduce baby brine shrimp or microworms as they grow larger.
Breeding Pearl Danios requires patience and attention to detail, but it's a rewarding experience that can help increase the population of these amazing fish in your aquarium.
Diet & feeding
Pearl Danios predominantly feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae in their natural habitat. However, in an aquarium setting, these Danios exhibit an adaptable feeding behaviour and will readily accept most types of food. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a high-quality dried product as the dietary staple, supplemented with frequent meals of small live and frozen food such as daphnia, bloodworm, and artemia to ensure optimal nutrition.
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