Pearl Danio

Danio albolineatus

Also known as: Pearl

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–26°C
• pH: 6–8
• Hardness (GH): 71–268 ppm (4–15 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

A close relative of the ubiquitous zebra danio and just as hardy, active, and tolerant of cool water, but dressed more subtly: instead of bold stripes it carries a soft, iridescent pearl-pink and blue sheen along the flanks that catches the light as it moves. A constantly-darting, energetic schooling fish, it suits unheated or lightly-heated tanks and wants horizontal swimming space and the company of its own kind. Like all danios its restless speed makes it a poor match for slow, long-finned tankmates, but among other active community fish it is an easy, undemanding, and pleasantly understated first schooler. One of the better choices for a cool, lively community.

Tankmates

A fast, active, cool-tolerant schooling fish in the mould of its cousin the zebra danio, best kept in a group of at least six. Its restless, darting motion makes it a poor companion for slow or long-finned fish such as bettas, fancy guppies, and angelfish, whose fins it will nip out of excitement rather than malice. Pair it instead with other active community fish: danios, white cloud minnows, gold barbs, and corydoras. Its tolerance of cooler water suits unheated or lightly-heated tanks. A jumper, so keep the tank covered.

Compatible with

• Zebra Danio
• White Cloud Mountain Minnow
• Gold Barb
• Bronze Corydoras
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bristlenose Pleco
• Peppered Corydoras

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Long Finned Species
• Angelfish
• Guppy

Common Problems

• fin nipping of slow or long-finned tankmates
• jumping from open tanks
• reduced schooling in groups smaller than 6
• ich

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20