Celestial pearl danio is very popular among aquarists due to its unique pattern and interesting temperament.
These fish are perfect for small aquariums. They quickly became popular, which resulted in a huge supply and excessive harvest.
Just a few months after its discovery, Celestial Pearl Danio was close to extinction in the wild and therefore its export was banned.
However, several other populations have been discovered and commercial breeding of this species has begun.
The common name Celestial Pearl Danio comes from the latin where Caelestis means “heavenly” and Margaritatus means “adorned with pearls.”
| Common name(s) | Celestial pearl danio, galaxy rasbora, fireworks rasbora, danio margaritatus |
| Scientific name | Danio margaritatus |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size range – lenght | 0.75–1 inch |
| Water parameters | Temp 71–78°F pH 6.5–7.5 Hardness 1-5 dGH |
| Tank level | Bottom and middle |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Breeding | Egglayer |
| Tank mates | Other species of danios, guppies, molly fish, cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, killifish, tetras, gouramis, corycatfish, kuhli loaches, pygmy hatchet fish, snails |
Origin
Danio Mauritatus is mainly native to Myanmar. It inhabits shallow ponds located approximately 80 km northeast of Inle Lake near the city of Hopong .
Populations have also been discovered along the Salween River which flows through Myanmar and Thailand.
It was only discovered in September 2006.
Why was it discovered so late? This is attributed to the fact that, for many decades, ichthyological research was practically nonexistent in this country due to political reasons.
However, when it became possible, a number of interesting species of fish were discovered there.
Just a few weeks after the discovery of this species, the first specimens reached Europe, where they caused a great sensation.
Due to its attractive appearance and size, it is made for keeping in nanoaquaria.
Size
Adult Galaxy Rasbora grows to 3/4 to 1 inch in length. They live in captivity for 3 to 5 years if they are well cared for.
Availability
You should have no difficulty finding this fish in pet stores. The price per piece ranges from 3.99 to 9.99$.
They can also be sold in schools of 5 – 10 pieces.
You can also buy them in online stores:
https://flipaquatics.com/products/celestial-pearl-danio?variant=31439569191014
https://www.aqua-imports.com/product/celestial-pearl-danio/
Appearance and Sex Differences
The shape of its body resembles the well-known Danios or Cardinals. The scales are brown but clearly visible, especially in males, with a bluish or purple tint.
There are densely scattered pearl spots on this background. The belly and back are slightly lighter and yellowish.
The greatest decoration of these fish are their beautiful fins with clearly outlined orange or red spots .
As a rule, in males these spots are more intense and additionally surrounded by dark black lines. Dominant males also have a red stripe on their backs.
Sexual dimorphism is also expressed in shapes. Females are slightly fuller and have more rounded bellies. Females may have less bright pearly dorsal dots. The pelvic and tail fins are orange.
When the females are ready for breeding, a dark spot appears in front of the caudal fin.
Behavior
Galaxy rasbora is very gentle and sociable.
There are no obstacles to combining Celestial Pearl Danios with other species in larger community aquariums, but the beauty of these small fish is best showcased in a species only tank.
The optimal solution is to maintain a school consisting of at least a dozen individuals.
The species usually resides in the lower layers of the tank, where it hides among plants.
During the feeding, the fish swim in the middle and upper parts of the aquarium.
Celestial Pearl Danios are relatively shy, but over time, they become accustomed to their surroundings.
Care
Celestial pearl Danios are easy to care for but are easily stressed.
The tank should be densely planted with fine-leaved plants.
It should be provided with strong lighting, gentle but efficient filtration and optional heating.
Heating is generally not necessary as these fish prefer water temperatures between 71-78 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range can typically be achieved without a heater.
Contrary to popular belief, these fish are very durable and can adapt and even breed in water with different parameters. They adapt to both acidic and alkaline water, as well as soft or hard water.
Celestial Pearl Danios live in groups, so we should keep at least 6 individuals or more.
It is worth paying attention to how many males we have in the group. In small tanks, dominant males may attack others.
We can prevent this by providing them with plenty of space to live and plenty of places to hide. A large number of plants and rocks will be perfect.
Tank Requirements
Perfectly, for a school of a dozen or so Celestial Pearl Danios, a tank with a capacity of 20 gallons is ideal. This size of tank will be sufficient for them.
For smaller numbers (up to 10 individuals), a smaller tank – 10 gallons – will work .
This species prefers cooler water with low salt and mineral content, reflecting the fish’s natural habitat.
The pH of the tank should be neutral, but these fish also easily adapt to a more alkaline or more acidic pH levels.
We should have strong filtration in the aquarium to effectively remove pollutants. Be sure to secure the inlet tubes as fish can easily be sucked into the filter.
The lighting should be bright, so it is worth using LED lights .
We should include a large number of plants in the aquarium, such as: Java Vern, Rotala, Egeria, Bacopa, Elodea.
It is also worth adding floating plants to cover the upper part of the aquarium: water lettuce, frogbit.
Decorating the tank with rocks and stones provides hiding spots for Celestial Pearl Danios.
Generally, although these fish are very calm, they can be shy.
We should not add leaves or driftwood to the tank because they may release tannins.
To avoid injuring the fish, it is best to use dark sandy substrate or fine gravel.
The most optimal water temperature is 71 – 78 Fahrenheit. The pH level should be close to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.5.
Water hardness should be between 1 and 5 DGH. Install an efficient filtration system, but ensure that water flow is relatively slow.
There is no need for a heater, as Celestial Pearl Danios prefer cold water.
Diseases
Celestial Pearl Danio is susceptible to various diseases due to being a very delicate fish.
Fin rot
They often suffer from fin rot, which causes discoloration or rotting of the fish’s tail. The disease is caused by poor water conditions and fungal or bacterial infections.
By maintaining proper conditions, you are able to prevent this disease. Monitor the pH and water temperature.
It’s also important to ensure that there are more females than males in the group, which significantly reduces stress.
Treatment includes antifungal medications or antibiotics depending on the severity of the disease.
Tank Mates
Celestial Peral Danio are very peaceful and you will have no problem keeping them with other fish. It is best to choose fish that are similar in size or that prefer the upper tank strata.
Avoid large, aggressive fish that may simply eat this species.
Perfect companions for Celestials Pearl Danio include:
- Other species of danios
- Guppies
- Molly fish
- Cherry shrimp
- Amano shrimp
- Killifish
- Tetras
- Gouramis
- Corycatfish
- Kuhli loaches
- Pygmy hatchet fish
- Snails
Especially avoid fish species such as:
- Tiger bars
- Buenos Aires tetras
- Cichlids
- Oscar fish
- Betta fish
Diet
Danios require very small amounts of food. This is directly related to the size of the fish and their small mouths.
Alongside live baby brine shrimp, they readily accept fine frozen foods as well as high-quality dry flake foods.
However, you should feed the fish with as varied and nutritious food as possible, especially if we want to breed them.
Feeding them only dry food, even the best quality, is not advisable.
Popular food options for Danios include:
- Micro pellets
- Dry flakes
- Frozen cyclops
- Finely ground freeze-dried krill
- Moina
- Daphnia
- Grindal worms
- Small white worms
- Newly hatched brine shrimp
Breeding
Breeding in home conditions is not difficult. It is recommended to feed the fish abundantly with live food and perform large water changes.
For spawning, select a pair and place them in a small tank with a temperature of 75°F. The water can be either soft to medium hard or slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
We do not need to have any substrate in the tank. Just place a ball of Java moss at the bottom.
Before spawning, the male begins to acquire intense colors. The male begins to assume an impressive posture by flexing his fins.
At the climax, the fish chase each other around the aquarium and then squeeze into the moss together.
In the moss, the female lays eggs which the male then fertilizes. It can lay from a dozen to several dozen tiny eggs. They are attached to the moss, but so weakly that they fall out easily.
It is important to catch the adults after spawning because they tend to eat the eggs. This is especially observed in males.
The eggs are very susceptible to mold and bacterial infections. In this case, it is worth using a UV lamp to sterilize the water and aerate it strongly to obtain very fine bubbles.
Some breeders even recommend adding a chemical that prevents the growth of fungi and microorganisms.
After about 4 days, the fry hatch. They are dark in color and remain motionless for the first few days. During this time, they use the reserves stored in the yolk sac.
After about 5 days, the fish start swimming around looking for food.
They are only 3 – 4 mm long and require the finest plankton sprinkled in small portions but as often as possible.
If fed well and regularly, fish grow quite quickly and become adult fish food after 2 weeks.
After about 4 months they become sexually mature.
In conclusion
Celestial Pearl Danio can prove to be a beautiful addition to small aquariums. It is easy to maintain and quickly makes friends with other fish.
They will really give you a lot of fun.
If you follow the recommendations in this guide, I assure you that keeping these fish will be simple and pleasant.
