Candidate
Zebra danio
Danio rerio
Open full care profile →Photo identification · reviewed 2026-07-31
Zebra danio vs pearl danio
Horizontal stripes identify zebra danios; an iridescent, largely unstriped flank points toward pearl danios.
Candidate
Pearl danio
Danio albolineatus
Open full care profile →Interactive observation guide
Inspect one clue at a time
Use the photographs above, then select each clue. Do not make an identification from one feature alone.
Zebra danios show several crisp dark-and-pale horizontal stripes from gill region toward the tail.
Care reality check
Compare the adult requirements
A visual identification changes which limits you should plan around.
| Requirement | Zebra danio | Pearl danio |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4–5 cm | 5–6 cm |
| Minimum tank | 60 L · 75 cm | 75 L · 90 cm |
| Temperature | 18–26°C | 20–26°C |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 6–8 |
| GH | 5–20 dGH | 5–20 dGH |
| Social minimum | 8 | 8 |
| Temperament | very active | active |
Visible differences
Clues to inspect
- Zebra danios show several crisp dark-and-pale horizontal stripes from gill region toward the tail.
- Pearl danios have a blue-violet pearly sheen with a pinkish or orange line near the rear flank.
- Both have a similar fast-swimming danio profile, so pattern is more useful than shape.
Shared traits
Why they are confused
- Both are active social fish that need a long swimming lane.
- Both can unsettle slow, long-finned companions despite modest adult size.
Why it matters
Do not stop at the name
The species overlap substantially, but water preference and final size still warrant a correct profile.
Uncertainty
When a photo is not enough
GloFish and long-fin zebra strains obscure the classic appearance. Confirm whether the fish is a domestic morph.