What size tank do pearl danios need?
At least 21 gallons (81 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Danio albolineatus.
How many pearl danios in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if pearl danios are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many pearl danios |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 10 |
| 29 gallon | up to 15 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 20 |
| 55 gallon | up to 28 |
| 75 gallon | up to 39 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check pearl danios against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, pearl danios hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.
Tank mates for pearl danios
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Bronze corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Rosy red minnow
- Black ruby barb
- Five-banded barb
- Bandit corydoras
- Checker barb
- Swordtail
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Pearl danio likes 61–77 °F (16–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as pearl danio.
Questions and answers
What size tank do pearl danios need?
At least 21 gallons (81 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many pearl danios should be kept together?
At least 6. Pearl danios are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 8 or more is better if the tank has room.
Can pearl danios live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Pearl danio needs at least 21 gallons (81 liters).
What temperature do pearl danios need?
61–77 °F (16–25 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can pearl danios live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Pearl danio likes 61–77 °F (16–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Penguin tetra
- Red-eye tetra
- Head-and-tail-light tetra
- Glowlight danio
- Emerald dwarf rasbora
- Phoenix rasbora
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.