Celestial Pearl Danio care guide
Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.5-7.5. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), originally marketed as Galaxy Rasbora, was described in 2006 from Myanmar. Males display a dark blue-green body covered in pearly spots with vivid red-orange fins. The species is small and best kept in densely planted nano aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Danio
- Scientific name: Danio margaritatus
- Common synonyms: Galaxy Rasbora
Habitat
Native to small ponds and seepages at over 1,000 m elevation in the Salween basin of eastern Myanmar and northern Thailand. The natural waters are clear, cool and densely overgrown with submerged plants similar to Elodea.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A micropredator. In the wild it feeds on small zooplankton and insects. In aquaria provide micro-pellets, crushed flake and small live or frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and microworms. The species is not an active swimmer and feeds slowly.
Compatibility
Peaceful but timid; males may engage in non-damaging display fights. Maintain in groups of six or more with similar nano companions such as Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra and dwarf shrimp. Avoid larger or boisterous species that may intimidate the fish into permanent hiding.
Breeding
Danio margaritatus is a continuous, vegetation-dependent egg-scatterer. Females release small batches of eggs hidden among fine-leaved plants or moss. In a mature, well-planted tank without predators, juveniles can appear without targeted intervention.