Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
Also called Brachydanio albolineata, Nuria albolineata (former name)
From Mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, in the Irrawaddy, Salween, Mae Khlong, Chao Phraya and Mekong drainages123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, torpedo-shaped cyprinid
A slim, fast fish with a softly iridescent body that can look pinkish, silvery or brownish yellow depending on origin and light. Two pale stripes run from under the dorsal fin to the tail, sometimes edged with blue or red. Females are a little larger, rounder and less colourful, and have two pairs of barbels. Golden forms seen in shops are partly albino.132
Personality what they are like
Friendly and peaceful, always on the move. It gets along well with a wide range of community fish.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A fast, energetic swimmer that uses the full length of the tank and enjoys some current. It jumps well, so a tight cover is needed.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easygoing to care for. Give a long tank, steady water quality and a lid without gaps.1
Home where they are happiest
Tolerates a wide range: about 16 to 25 C, pH roughly 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness 1 to 20 dGH. A base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 80 litres). Wild fish live in clear, oxygen rich hill streams as well as ponds, ditches and rice fields.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly eats insects and zooplankton in the wild. Takes dry foods readily, best supplemented with bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.123
Company who they like around
A schooling fish best kept in a group of 8 to 10 or more. Good with other small cyprinids, tetras and livebearers.1
The story where it all began
Described by Blyth in 1860 from the Tenasserim region of Myanmar. It has carried several names over the years, and some related fish once grouped with it are now treated as separate species. It has long been a favourite, easy to breed aquarium fish.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Female pearl danios have two pairs of barbels.3
- 2
Colour varies by region: fish from western Thailand tend to orange tones and those from central Thailand to blue.1
- 3
Golden pearl danios sold in shops are a semi-albino form, not a separate species.3
- 4
It lives in places as different as rocky forest streams and rice paddies.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed March 2011)2
- FishBase
- Highly commercial in the aquarium trade2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pearl Danio. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pearl Danio?
Feed your Pearl Danio small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Always check the food label for portion size and ask your vet if you're unsure.123 Furry Diary plan
What does a Pearl Danio eat, and what should it never eat?
Pearl Danios enjoy dry foods and love treats like bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Avoid any food not designed for fish; ask your vet for a safe list if in doubt.123
How much space does a Pearl Danio need?
A tank of at least 80 litres with a base of 90 x 30 cm gives your active Pearl Danio plenty of room to swim. They are fast swimmers that use the full length of the tank.12
What temperature, light or water does a Pearl Danio need?
Keep the water between 16 and 25°C, with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and hardness up to 20 dGH. They enjoy well-oxygenated water and a tight lid to prevent jumping.12
How often should I clean a Pearl Danio's home?
Change about 25% of the water every week and clean the glass at the same time. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month to keep the environment stable. Furry Diary plan
Can a Pearl Danio live with others?
Yes, Pearl Danios are peaceful schoolers that thrive in groups of 8 or more. They get along well with other small community fish like tetras and livebearers.1
How long does a Pearl Danio live?
With good care, a Pearl Danio typically lives about 5 years. Provide a stable environment and a balanced diet to help them reach their full lifespan.3
Can I handle a Pearl Danio?
Pearl Danios are delicate fish and should not be handled. If you need to move them, use a soft net gently and keep them in water at all times.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Brachydanio albolineata (Pearl Danio), Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for origin, habitat, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, colours, history
- Danio albolineatus, FishBase fishbase.seused for max length, IUCN status, distribution, water parameters, diet
- Pearl danio, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, size, colours, golden form, barbels, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.