Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus)

Pearl Danio Danio albolineatus
Name	Pearl Danio
Name Lat.	Danio albolineatus
Synonym	Danio albolineatus
Family	Danios
Family lat.	Danionidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Forest streams
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group, school
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Simple
Life Span	4-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	6 cm
Temperature	22-25 °C
Hardness	5-15 °dH
Aquarium	~ 120 l
US Units
Size	2.5"
Temperature	72-77 °F
Hardness	89-267 ppm
Aquarium	~ 30 gal

Distribution and habitat

The iridescent danios are widespread in Thailand, Burma, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. They live in shady, oxygen-rich forest streams and in tributaries of ponds and rice fields. Their coloration and markings vary according to their origin.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a border planting, with hiding and retreat possibilities (roots, stones) and offer a lot of swimming space. A coarse, round gravel as substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), slightly shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves, scalded leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high vegetable content.

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are swimming and lively fish that are well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish. They should be kept in a group of at least 8-10 animals

Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The males are slightly smaller, slimmer and more intensely colored than the more rounded appearing females.

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners. The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns among fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 36-48 hours and swim freely after a few days. The parents do not engage in brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning as they are spawn predators.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in a community tank, as the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The tank should be well covered, as they like to jump

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) when rotting promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF