If you’re new to aquariums or just looking to add a pretty, peaceful fish to your community tank, you can’t go wrong with the Pearl Danio. This easy-going species is hardy, easy to care for, and gets along with just about any other peaceful fish. Its iridescent colors make it unusually attractive and provide a background to flashier species. Even better, the Pearl Danio thrives in a smaller 20-gallon tank and reproduces readily in captivity.
Origin and Distribution
Initially imported in Europe in 1911, this species has been a popular fish in the aquarium industry ever since. They originate from clear swiftly moving streams and rivers in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Thailand, and Sumatra. In nature, they feed primarily on insects.
This species has several synonyms, a few of which were initially assigned to what were later determined to be color variants of the same species of fish. Debate still exists over the classification of these differences in coloration. At one time this species was classified under the Brachydanio genus, which has since been declared invalid. However, many books and articles still utilize the Brachydanio name.