Fish
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus · also called pearl danios
Shimmering with an iridescent sheen that shifts from pink to purple as it turns through the water, a pearl danio moves through its school with the same easy, adaptable nature that made it one of the earliest danios to win over the aquarium hobby.
Overview
The pearl danio, Danio albolineatus, is a hardy, iridescently coloured schooling fish native to wetland stream habitat across Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia in Southeast Asia. Its shimmering pearl-like sheen, long-standing popularity as one of the earliest danios kept in aquariums, and adaptable, peaceful temperament make it one of the most enduringly popular small schooling fish in the hobby.
An early favourite that never lost its shine
Long before many other danio species became well known in the aquarium trade, the pearl danio’s shimmering colouring and easy-going nature had already secured it a lasting place among schooling fish keepers.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable wetland stream habitat throughout Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Pearl Danio: common questions
Why is it called the pearl danio?
This species displays an iridescent pinkish-purple sheen across much of the body that shifts and shimmers under different lighting in a way often compared to the surface of a pearl, a distinctive appearance that gives rise to its common name.
Is the pearl danio a good beginner fish?
Yes, this species is considered hardy and adaptable, tolerating a reasonable range of water conditions, which combined with its peaceful, active schooling nature makes it a popular and forgiving choice for community aquariums, including for less experienced keepers.
Has the pearl danio always looked the same?
Not entirely, since this species has been selectively bred into additional colour varieties beyond its natural iridescent pearl-like sheen, giving keepers a wider range of appearances to choose from beyond the original wild-type colouring.
Where does the pearl danio live in the wild?
This species is native to wetland stream habitat across Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia in Southeast Asia, where it forages in schools through slow-moving streams and pools alongside other small fish.