Breeding Pearl Danio (Danio Albolineatus) In The Aquarium

Pearl Danio, Pink Danio, Spotfin Danio, White Cloud, Striped Danio

Habitat

In natural conditions, this fish mainly inhabits fast-flowing, shady streams, brooks, and rivers with clear, well-oxygenated water and rocky beds in Burma, Thailand, China, and Cambodia. It can also be found in ponds, drainage ditches, canals, backwaters, and rice fields.

Appearance

Due to the wide range of habitats occupied in nature, the color of the fish can differ among individual populations. Basically, the species is characterized by an olive-pink body color, which shimmers pearl-like under favorable conditions. Along the sides of the fish, on its lateral line, an opalescent, narrow, yellow-orange stripe can be observed, which runs from the base of the tail to the beginning of the dorsal fin. The tail fin – bifurcate. The fish also has 2 pairs of long whiskers. The female is somewhat larger, fuller in the belly areas, and less colorful than the male.

Disposition

This is a peaceful and active species that prefers to swim in larger groups – a minimum of 6-8 fish. Then, the fish are less shy and males display their best colors when competing for females' attention. A hierarchy is established within the group. This species is perfect for a community aquarium, where their co-inhabitants will be of similar size and temperament, e.g., other danios, barbs, tetras, loaches, corydoras, small armored catfish. This species can be recommended for beginner aquarists.

Aquarium

The rainbow danio prefers spacious tanks – longer rather than taller. It should be heavily planted with vegetation on the sides and in the back, with open space for free swimming. The substrate should be gravel (preferably with different grain sizes), with a few stones of various sizes (preferably pebbles). The water flow should be moderate, the water well-oxygenated, and the lighting subdued and diffused. Covering the tank is necessary – danios are excellent jumpers.

Reproduction

This species is oviparous. Its breeding is best carried out in a separate tank with a low water level, no lighting, a small sponge filter, bunches of plants with small leaves, gravel substrate or a grating for eggs (to protect the eggs from the cannibalistic impulses of the parents). The water should have a slightly acidic reaction, neutral pH, and a temperature of about 25°C. A pair of fish or two (the thickest females and the most colorful males) are transferred to the breeding aquarium in the evening. Morning light triggers spawning – that's why the breeding aquarium should be set up to have direct sunlight access. The male and female touch bodies, tremble slightly, and eggs and sperm are simultaneously released. The eggs slowly fall to the bottom. After spawning, parents must be caught without fail, as they can eat all the eggs. Hatching occurs after 1-2 days, and after another 2-4 days, the fry swim freely in search of food.