🌌 Celestial Pearl Danio Care Guide (Danio margaritatus)
🌟 Overview The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), also called the Galaxy Rasbora, is a breathtaking nano fish discovered in Myanmar in 2006. Known for its deep blue body covered in pearly white spots and bright orange fins, it’s a favorite among aquascapers and nano aquarium enthusiasts. Peaceful, colorful, and active, Celestial Pearl Danios are excellent for planted aquariums.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
- Common Names: Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora, CPD
- Origin: Myanmar (Asia)
- Size: 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (better in 20+ for larger schools)
- Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: 2–10 dGH
- Aquascape: Heavily planted tank with driftwood, caves, and hiding spaces
- Lighting: Moderate to highlight colors
- School Size: Keep in groups of 6–10+ for natural behavior
🍽️ Diet
Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivores with a preference for small foods:
- Micro-pellets & crushed flakes
- Frozen and live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, microworms
- Specialized nano foods for best coloration
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Excellent with other peaceful nano fish: ember tetras, chili rasboras, small rasboras, guppies
- Good with shrimp and snails (though tiny shrimp fry may be eaten)
- Avoid large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or eat them
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Males display brighter orange fins and compete for females with courtship displays
- Peaceful but shy without a proper school and plenty of cover
- Look their best in planted aquascapes with darker substrates
- Thrive in stable, clean water with gentle flow
❓ FAQ
Q: How many Celestial Pearl Danios should I keep?
A: At least 6–10, as they are schooling fish that show their best behavior in groups.
Q: Do Celestial Pearl Danios breed in captivity?
A: Yes, with the right setup (plants or spawning mops), they readily spawn, though eggs and fry need protection from adults.
Q: Are CPDs good for shrimp tanks?
A: Yes, they coexist well with adult shrimp, though baby shrimp may be eaten.
Q: Are Celestial Pearl Danios hardy?
A: Yes, once established, they are hardy and beginner-friendly nano fish.
