The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), sometimes called the Galaxy Rasbora, is a tiny, beautifully patterned freshwater fish native to Myanmar.
🌟 Overview
Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
Common Names: Celestial Pearl Danio (CPD), Galaxy Rasbora
Adult Size: ~1 inch (2.5 cm)
Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care
Temperament: Peaceful, a little shy
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
🐠 Tank Setup
Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (bigger is better for groups)
Schooling Needs: Best kept in groups of 6–10+; more makes them feel secure
Aquascape: Planted tank with moss, driftwood, and hiding places
Lighting: Moderate to low (they color up better in dimmer tanks)
Filtration: Gentle flow; they dislike strong currents
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 72–78 °F (22–26 °C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
🍽️ Diet
Type: Omnivore
Best Foods:
Live/frozen micro foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms)
High-quality micro pellets & crushed flakes
Vegetable-based supplements (spirulina, blanched spinach occasionally)
Tip: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily; their mouths are tiny.
🧬 Breeding
Method: Egg scatterers (no parental care)
Setup: Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops help protect eggs
Notes: Adults often eat eggs/fry → better survival in a separate breeding tank
🤝 Tank Mates
Good Companions: Other peaceful nano fish (chili rasboras, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, small shrimp, snails)
Avoid: Large/aggressive species or fin-nippers (like tiger barbs, bettas)
✅ In short: CPDs are hardy, colorful, and thrive in a planted community tank. Their beauty shows best in groups and with high-quality micro foods.