Care
The Pearl Danio is known from the cool, fast-flowing and highly oxygenated hillstreams of the lower Mekong. The vast majority of specimens in the trade are captive bred and are very adaptable as far as water conditions go. However, water temperature is important and the aquarium should be maintained at a sub-tropical levels for best long-term health. The tank should be well-filtered and well-oxygenated, with a decent amount of flow; the Pearl Danios will be seen swimming against the current with obvious, natural enjoyment. In order to view their best colours, the aquarium should have a dark substrate, background and décor, with dense planting at the back and sides to help them feel secure. An open swimming space should be left in the centre. Pearl Danios are a peaceful shoaling species, and as such, must be maintained in groups of 6 or more fish of their own kind. They make great "˜dither fish"™ in aquariums housing temperate current-loving fish such as many of the hillstream loaches and torrent catfish. Ensure the tank has tight fitting coverslides as these fish are accomplished jumpers.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, and small frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
An easy-to-breed egg scattering species that should be bred in a separate aquarium with a substrate of marbles and large clumps of Java moss. Water parameters should be neutral to slightly soft and acidic and the temperature set towards the high end of the preferred range. Spawning often takes place when the first rays of sunlight hit the aquarium in the morning. If this does not occur, a small cool water change should trigger them. The parents should be acclimatised back to the main aquarium after spawning has ceased, in order to prevent them predating on the eggs. The eggs usually take around 36-48 hours to hatch (depending on temperature), with the young free-swimming a few days later.
