Celestial Pearl Danio – Danio margaritatus
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a colorful nano freshwater fish loved for its pearl-like body spots, orange-red fins, and peaceful nature. This eye-catching species is a favorite for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and nano community tanks.
Celestial Pearl Danios stay small but offer big visual impact when kept in groups. Their starry pattern, active behavior, and bright fin coloration make them a beautiful choice for hobbyists looking for peaceful nano fish with unique markings.
Key Features
- Beautiful pearl-like spotting
- Bright orange-red fins
- Peaceful nano freshwater fish
- Great for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Excellent choice for nano community tanks
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
- Common Names: Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful but shy
- Adult Size: Approximately 1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–78°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Celestial Pearl Danios?
Celestial Pearl Danios are one of the most attractive nano fish available for freshwater aquariums. Their pearl-like spots and orange-red fins create a high-contrast look that stands out beautifully against green plants, moss, driftwood, and darker backgrounds.
They are peaceful, small, and active once settled, making them a great choice for aquascapers and nano fish keepers. A proper group helps them feel more secure and encourages better color, confidence, and natural behavior.
Ideal Tank Setup
Celestial Pearl Danios do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with live plants, moss, gentle filtration, and areas of cover. Dense planting helps shy fish feel secure, while open swimming areas give the group room to move naturally.
They are best kept in groups of at least 6 or more. Avoid large, aggressive, or overly active tankmates that may intimidate them or outcompete them for food.
Compatible Tankmates
- Small rasboras
- Ember Tetras
- Green Neon Tetras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Panda Corydoras in larger setups
- Otocinclus
- Adult shrimp with proper cover
- Small peaceful snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping species
- Fast, boisterous fish that may outcompete them
- Very large community fish
Diet & Feeding
Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivores with small mouths and should be offered small, appropriately sized foods. Feed micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and small live foods when available.
A varied diet helps support bright fin coloration, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Use a planted aquarium with plenty of cover
- Provide some open swimming space
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
- Avoid large or aggressive tankmates
- Feed small foods suited for nano fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Celestial Pearl Danios beginner-friendly?
Yes. They can be beginner-friendly in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with peaceful tankmates and clean water.
How many Celestial Pearl Danios should I keep?
Keep at least 6 together for better confidence, reduced stress, and more natural group behavior.
Are Celestial Pearl Danios the same as Galaxy Rasboras?
Yes. Celestial Pearl Danio is the current common name, while Galaxy Rasbora is an older common name still used by many hobbyists.
Can Celestial Pearl Danios live in planted tanks?
Yes. They thrive in planted aquariums with moss, cover, and open swimming areas.
Are Celestial Pearl Danios good with shrimp?
They can live with adult shrimp in planted aquariums with proper cover, though very tiny baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
What do Celestial Pearl Danios eat?
They eat micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small foods.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Celestial Pearl Danios are colorful nano freshwater fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, shrimp tanks, and peaceful community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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These fish are healthy and very active. Arguably some of the best CPDs Ive bought. The color on them is a little paler (yellower vs red) than usual but they may just need some time to get comfortable in the tank before they color up.
Stunning Appearance Great in Planted Tanks Active & Fun Strong currents from HOB filters can force them to hide sponge filters are often better Can be very shy and hide constantly, especially in small numbers or tanks. Definitely need 8+
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