Pearl Danio

About

The pearl danio (Danio albolineatus) is a slim, energetic little fish native to clear, fast-moving hill streams and smaller rivers across Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and the island of Sumatra. Its natural range spans several major drainages including the Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, and Mae Khlong systems, where it tends to occupy the upper water column. The body carries a soft iridescent sheen. A pearlescent wash of pink and blue with one or two pale yellowish stripes running from below the dorsal fin to the base of the tail. Coloration can vary noticeably depending on origin, with some populations showing more orange on the upper body and others leaning bluer, so don't be surprised if two batches from different suppliers look subtly different. In the aquarium it's as easygoing as danios come. A genuinely peaceful species that pairs well with other small cyprinids, tetras, livebearers, loaches, and most other community fish of comparable size. It does need to be kept in a proper school, ideally eight to ten individuals or more. In smaller groups the fish tend to stay nervous and wash out in color, while a larger group brings out competitive color displays from the males and gives the whole tank a lively, natural feel. A forgiving choice for newer keepers who want an active, attractive schooling fish.