Pearl Danio

The Pearl Danio, also known as the Celestial Pearl Danio (though technically a different species), is an active and beautiful freshwater fish with an iridescent, pearly sheen. Native to Southeast Asia, these small danios have a slender, streamlined body with a shimmering coloration that can show purple, blue, and pink hues under good lighting. They are energetic swimmers that occupy all levels of the tank, constantly on the move. Pearl Danios are hardy, peaceful, and excellent for beginners. Their active nature and schooling behavior make them entertaining additions to community aquariums.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Pearl Danios are very active swimmers:

• Minimum 20 gallons (30+ recommended for schools)
• Keep in groups of 6 or more - they are active schoolers
• Long tanks preferred (need swimming length)
• Open swimming space essential
• Moderate to strong filter flow (they enjoy current)
• Heater to maintain 68-77°F
• Plants around edges with open center
• Tight-fitting lid - they are jumpers!

Important: They are extremely active and need open swimming space. Tall decorations blocking the middle water column stress them.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (2-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25% water changes
• They are adaptable to various conditions
• Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures
• Benefit from good water flow

Feeding

Pearl Danios are omnivores with small mouths:

• High-quality micro flakes or pellets
• Frozen foods: daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops
• Live foods: micro worms, baby brine shrimp
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes

Feeding Schedule: Small amounts 2-3 times daily. Very active metabolism.

Note: They have small mouths and need appropriately sized food.

Behavior & Compatibility

Pearl Danios are peaceful, energetic schoolers:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Other active tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
  • Other danios (Zebra Danios)
  • Rasboras (Harlequin, Espei’s)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Peaceful livebearers (Guppies, Platies, Swordtails)
  • Otocinclus
  • Dwarf shrimp

• Avoid Housing With:

  • Large or aggressive fish (Oscars, large Cichlids)
  • Very slow-moving fish (outcompeted for food)
  • Long-finned slow fish (may be nipped)

Schooling Behavior: They are perpetual motion machines, swimming constantly in tight formations throughout the tank.

Jumping

Pearl Danios are skilled jumpers:

• MANDATORY: Tight-fitting lid with no gaps
• Will jump through small openings
• Secure filter and equipment openings
• Keep water level slightly below rim

Health Considerations

Pearl Danios are generally very hardy:

• Ich: Quarantine new fish
• Stress from confinement: Need adequate space
• Jumping injuries: Ensure secure lid

Prevention: Provide adequate swimming space, secure lid, and quarantine new fish.