Looking for a fish that's out of this world? We present: the Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as the Galaxy Rasbora! These little fish are a fascinating species with a unique history.
Where are Celestial Pearl Danios from?
It was in 2006, when aquarium fish exporter Kamphol Udomritthiruj found the Celestial Pearl Danios. He did so in a small stream, near the Hopong Township in Myanmar. When Udomritthiruj first laid his eyes on these small fish, he was blown away by its sparkling colors. The bright blue body, with vibrant red fins and galactic white spots filled him with awe. He immediately knew that these fish were going to be a hit! And so he began exporting them to various countries around the world.
Species overview
Celestial Pearl Danios are a member of the Cyprinidae family, which includes other popular aquarium fish like Goldfish, Koi, and Tetras. They are quite small, also referred to as ‘nano-fish’, with an average size of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. They are active swimmers and prefer to be kept in groups of at least six individuals. Celestial Pearl Danios are peaceful and do not typically bother other fish in the tank. This makes Celestial Pearl Danios an excellent choice for community aquariums.
| Species | |
| Name: | Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora, Danio margaritatus |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Origin: | Shan State, Myanmar |
| Care | |
| Care level: | Beginner-friendly |
| Life span: | up to 5 years |
| Diet | |
| Diet | Tropical fish flakes, Mini-pellets, Frozen meaty foods, Brine shrimp, Blood worms, Daphnia |
| Behavior | |
| Temperament: | Peaceful community fish |
| Activity: | Schooling |
| Breeding: | Egg scatterer |
| Aquarium | |
| Tank size: | 10 gallons |
| 38 liters | |
| Tank level: | All areas, prefer middle |
| Flow rate: | Low |
| Planted tank: | Likes a densely planted tank |
| Aquarium parameters | |
| Temperature: | 72-82℉ |
| 22-28℃ | |
| pH Range: | 6-7.5 |
Aquarium Requirements
Celestial Pearl Danios are a hardy fish that can easily be kept happy in your aquarium. These tiny fish like to school around with each other, so they require a decent amount of swimming space. This means your tank needs to be at least 10 gallons (45 liters), but they prefer a larger tank that is at least 24 inches (60 centimeters) in length.
To mimic their natural environment, you will need to add plenty of plants, some driftwood and rocks. This will provide them with hiding places to take a short rest and playfully swim through.
We would advise you to use a smooth substrate for these particular fish, as they do like to search in between the stones for some food.
What do Celestial Pearl Danios eat?
Will Celestial Pearl Danios eat shrimp? Do not worry. Despite being omnivores, they will not eat your shrimp. But to keep them healthy and colorful, it is important to feed them a varied diet. They will eat high-quality flake, and pellet foods, frozen foods like bloodworms and live food. Do keep in mind that, these small fish have small mouths and they need to fit. Celestial Pearl Danios, will also eat vegetable matter such as algae wafers and blanched vegetables.
Water parameters
Celestial Pearl Danios are a tropical fish and require warm water, the temperature should be kept between 72-79 °F (22-26 °C). This means a good heater is required. If the temperature changes too much, or too fast, this can lead to temperature shock.
Besides temperature, the pH level is also important. Celestial Pearl Danios prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
Make sure you test your water regularly and make sure they live in the best environment possible.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Since Celestial Pearl Danios are a peaceful and sociable fish, they do well in a community setting with other peaceful fish that are similar in size to them.
Larger fish should be avoided, as they will most likely make a meal out of the Celestial Pearl Danios. The same applies to semi-aggressive fish, as Celestial Pearl Danios are easily intimidated, which will lead to stress in the Celestial Pearl Danios and may eventually cause disease outbreaks.
Shrimp and snails can be very good additions to an aquarium with these Danios. In addition to their interesting behavior, they also work as a cleanup crew. Eating algae, left over fishfood and general detritus.
Can Celestial Pearl Danios live with Bettas?
Even though I am inclined to say they can, it still very much depends on the character of the Betta in question. There is a small chance that the danios bright colors will trigger a particular Betta.
Trivia Time!
Did you know that Celestial Pearl Danios are sometimes referred to as "nanofish" because of their small size? Or that they were once thought to be extinct in the wild due to habitat loss? Luckily, they were rediscovered in 2006 and have since become a popular aquarium fish worldwide.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our care guide for Celestial Pearl Danios. If you did, please share this article with other fish fans.
If you're looking for small, colorful, and fascinating fish to add to your aquarium, the Celestial Pearl Danios are a great choice. With their stunning coloration, these little fish are sure to capture your heart (and your attention!).
Be sure to keep them in a tank of at least 10 gallons (45 liters), provide a lot of plants, driftwood and rocks. Provide good filtration with a low flowrate to keep your parameters stable, combined with a good heater.