
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Family: Cyprinidae • Origin: Southeast Asia
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is one of the most stunning nano fish. Deep blue body covered in pearl-like spots with orange fins.
Is Celestial Pearl Danio Right for Your Tank?
Celestial Pearl Danio is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 4 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Celestial Pearl Danio
Keeping fewer than 6 together
Celestial Pearl Danio is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Care Tips
- • Shy — provide dense plant cover
- • Males spar but don't injure each other
- • Keep in groups of 6-10
- • Prefers cooler tropical temps
- • One of the most beautiful nano fish
Feeding: Micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia.
Compatibility Notes: Shy fish. Keep with other small peaceful species. Males display to each other.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Minimum School Size
- 6+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 2–12
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- slow
Shy fish. Keep with other small peaceful species. Males display to each other.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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