Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Celestial Pearl Danio, commonly still referred to as the Galaxy Rasbora for which it was first described as in 2006, is native to shallow-flooded grasslands of Myanmar and northern Thailand. Their species epithet, margaritatus, translates to “adorned with pearls” which perfectly describes the beauty of this little fish. Male Celestial pearl danios will have a deep steel-blue coloration that extends over the majority of its body with intense red in all of its fins except for the pectorals. Spots are pearly-white to cream colored, and they extend over most of the body. Female Celestial pearl danios on the other hand will have muted body and fin coloration, and will not have spots on the anterior portion of their abdomen. Easy to spawn, many of the Celestial pearl danios available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Celestial pearl danios are natural shoaling fish, and males will readily engage in sparring behavior with each other during daylight. Acquiring a group of 15 or more individuals is recommended for their social behavior and to spread out aggression among males. It is not recommended to mix Celestial pearl danios with Emerald dwarf danios (Danio erythromicron), as these species can hybridize. An adult Celestial pearl danio can reach a size of approximately 1″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Celestial pearl danios are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Avoid foods that will sit on the surface as these fish rarely will come up to eat.
Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Celestial pearl danios. While these fish are small, this size aquarium better provides a stable environment. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. Celestial pearl danios are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). Given the environments in which they come from, Celestial pearl danios like gentle water flow that is typically achieved by the use of a sponge filter. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate and dense vegetation (live plants are preferred). A plant genera this species is commonly associated with in the wild is Elodea. Celestial pearl danio would also benefit from some floating plants, as this better mimics their natural environment. Celestial pearl danios are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for traditional community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species that will intimidate them. Mix Celestial pearl danio with other peaceful shoaling species to provide them with security, and some species that may exploit the top portion of the aquarium to reduce their shyness. Some compatible species include Emerald Dwarf Danio (Danio erythromicron), Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides), Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), Neon Blue Danio (Sundadanio axelrodi), and Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus). This species are great with Neocaridina shrimps. Extra care should be taken acclimating Celestial pearl danios. Recommended water conditions, 72-76° F, KH 6-12, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1/4” to 1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
