All fish / Cyprinidae

Celestial pearl danio

Danio margaritatus

Also known as galaxy rasbora, celestial pearl danio, cpd, celestichthys margaritatus, microrasbora sp. galaxy, fireworks rasbora, galaxy danio, ปลากาแล็คซี่, ギャラクシー, ミクロラスボラ・ギャラクシー, 火翅金钻灯, 银河斑马鱼

A tiny danio with a dark blue-grey body covered in pearly spots and fins barred in black and bright orange-red, with males more vivid than females. It is kept for its jewel-like colours and suits heavily planted nano tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2 cm

Temperature

20 to 26 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

45 litres

Keep as

Group of 10 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp, plus fine flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Myanmar (Shan Plateau, Salween and Mekong basins) and northern Thailand

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine plants or moss and gives no parental care, often eating the eggs. Breeding is fairly easy in a mature planted tank, though the minute fry need infusoria or similar very small foods at first.

Good to know

Shy and easily outcompeted, so keep with other small peaceful fish and plenty of cover. Males spar constantly, so a larger group spreads out the aggression.