Meet the Celestial Pearl Danios, tiny fish that are big on charm! They’re colorful, peaceful, and love to swim together. But to keep them happy and healthy, you need to know the best ways to care for them.
So, whether you’re a fish expert or just starting out, this guide is for you. Keep reading to find out how to care for your celestial pearl danios!
TL;DR
Celestial pearl danios, often called “galaxy rasboras”, are small yet beautifully patterned fish. Great for beginners and more experienced fish keepers, they thrive best in groups of 6-8. Choose a tank that has plenty of horizontal swimming space and at least 10 gallons in size. Ideal water conditions are temperatures between 72-78°F and a pH of 6.6-7.5.
Being omnivores, they appreciate a mix of plant and animal-based foods, but high-quality micro-pellets or small tropical fish flakes should be their primary diet.
With attentive care, celestial pearl danios can grace your aquarium for 3-5 years.
For tank mates, opt for gentle and non-aggressive species. Consider endlers, small rasboras, pygmy corydoras, and dwarf shrimp as suitable companions.
Are Celestial Pearl Danios Easy To Keep?
If you’re thinking about diving into the world of fishkeeping, you should definitely consider Celestial Pearl Danios because they’re really easy to take care of.
First off, they’re real social creatures. They enjoy the company of their kind, and they’re not into marking their territory. That’s good news if you’re planning to have more than one fish in your tank. You won’t have to worry about any fish fights disrupting your peaceful aquarium.
Next, they’re not picky about food. They’re okay with a variety of fish food, whether it’s flakes, pellets, or even live food. Just remember, like any pet, it’s important that they get a balanced diet.
Also, these little fish are pretty sturdy. They can handle different water conditions, so they’re a great choice if you’re just starting out. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the water quality – you’ll still need to check it regularly.
And, they’re pretty low maintenance. Unlike some fish that need a special environment with specific plants or decorations, Celestial Pearl Danios are quite easygoing. As long as they have a comfortable space with a few hiding spots, they’re good to go. It gives you a chance to learn the ropes without too much pressure.
Finally, they’re not just easy to keep; they’re also fun to watch! Their bright colors and lively behavior add a dash of vibrancy and life to your tank. Plus, watching them swim around can be really soothing.
(If you want to know about the 15 easiest fish to take care of, here they are! Voted by over 150 fishkeepers!)
| Name | Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) |
| Cost | $3.99+ Per Fish |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Myanmar) |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Lifespan | 3-5 Years |
| Size | 0.8-1 Inches |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| pH | 6.6-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| KH | 5-10 |
| GH | 5-20 |
| Diet | Omnivores |
| Feeding | Fish Flakes, Live Food, Blanched Vegetables |
| Community Tank | Yes |
| Tank Level | Mid Level |
| Plants | Java Moss, Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Hornwort |
| Tank Mates | Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Cardinal Tetras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Dwarf Gourami, Pygmy Corydoras, Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snail, Sparkling Gourami |
| Breeding | Easy |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, Celestial Pearl Danios are truly a sight to behold. They sport a vibrant, shimmering blue body that’s speckled with tiny, pearl-like spots, hence their name.
Their bellies, on the other hand, have a rich, fiery orange color. Plus, they’ve got a pair of ornate, ‘peacock’ patterned fins on either side that are seriously impressive. The mix of colors and patterns gives them an almost celestial look, like a starry night sky.
Size
In terms of size, Celestial Pearl Danios are pretty small, which makes them ideal for those who don’t have a ton of space for a large tank. An adult Celestial Pearl Danio usually grows to around 0.8 to 1 inches long.
And despite their small size, they’re quite hardy and can fit in well with a community of similarly sized, peaceful fish.
Behavior
As for behavior, Celestial Pearl Danios are generally peaceful, community-loving fish. They’re quite active, spending much of their time swimming around, especially if they’re in a group of their own kind. But don’t worry, they’re not overly energetic – they enjoy a good rest in the shade of plants or other hideaways too.
They’re also not territorial, which is a big plus if you’re planning to introduce them to a community tank. They’d much rather mind their own business than get into squabbles over territory.
Lifespan
On average, Celestial Pearl Danios have a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years. This might seem short, but it’s actually pretty standard for small freshwater fish. It’s worth mentioning that this lifespan is not set in stone. With proper care and a healthy, stress-free environment, they can potentially live a little longer.
Ensuring your Celestial Pearl Danios have a balanced diet, a well-maintained tank, and a peaceful living environment goes a long way in helping them reach their maximum lifespan. Regular water checks and a clean tank can prevent disease, while a varied diet can keep them healthy and happy.
Just like any pet, these little fish will thrive when given the care and attention they deserve.
Water Parameters
Creating a comfortable and healthy environment for Celestial Pearl Danios starts with maintaining the right water parameters in their tank. Here’s everything you need to know:
pH
The pH level of the water should be between 6.6 and 7.5 for Celestial Pearl Danios. This range is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, which matches the natural freshwater environments these fish are native to.
Temperature
As for temperature, Celestial Pearl Danios prefer a range between 72 and 78°F. Consistent temperatures within this range help keep your Danios comfortable and healthy. Any sudden or extreme temperature changes could stress them out, and can lead to health issues.
Water Hardness
Now when it comes to water hardness, Celestial Pearl Danios do best in soft to slightly hard water. This means between 5 and 20 dGH is ideal for them.
| Name | Celestial Pearl Danios |
| pH | 6.6-7.5 |
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| GH | 5-20 |
| KH | 5-10 |
| Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
Celestial Pearl Danios Tank Size
Celestial Pearl Danios are small fish, but they do like to swim around a lot. For a small group of six Celestial Pearl Danios, make sure to have at least a 10-gallon tank. This gives them enough room to swim freely without feeling crowded.
If you love how beautiful celestial pearl danios are, here are over 50 colorful fish for you to choose from!
What Do Celestial Pearl Danios Like In The Wild?
Celestial Pearl Danios, or Galaxy Rasboras as they’re also known, hail from Southeast Asia, specifically, Myanmar. In their natural habitat, they’re found in small ponds and slow-moving streams, surrounded by a lot of greenery. Let’s break down what they like when they’re in the wild.
These waters are usually pretty calm and clear, with a sandy or gravelly bottom littered with fallen leaves and bits of plants. The water’s not too acidic or too alkaline, it’s right in the middle, which is just how these fish like it.
As for temperature, the tropical climate of their homeland means the water they swim in stays pretty warm, usually between 72 to 78°F.
The plants in these waters do a lot for the Celestial Pearl Danios. They offer protection, a place to breed, and a spot to find food, which are usually tiny insects.
Interestingly, the water they live in often has a tea-like color, thanks to the tannins from all the fallen plant matter. But these Danios stand out just fine with their bright, shiny colors.
How To Setup A Tank For Celestial Pearl Danios
Now, let’s get into how you can set up a tank for Celestial Pearl Danios. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
1. Choose the Right Tank
First things first, you’ll need to pick the right tank. Remember, for a small group of about 6 Celestial Pearl Danios, a 10-gallon tank is what you’re aiming for. They’re active little swimmers, so they need space to roam around freely.
2. Set Up the Substrate
Once you’ve got your tank, make sure to add some substrate to the bottom. They’re used to sandy or fine gravel bottoms in the wild, so try and replicate that. This will make them feel more at home and it’ll help with any plants you add later on.
- Fluval Stratum is made of mineral rich volcanic soil
3. Add Plants and Hideaways
Celestial Pearl Danios like a bit of cover. So, think about adding live plants and other decorations to the tank. This not only gives them places to hide and relax but also helps to keep the water clean and oxygenated.
4. Install a Filter
Galaxy Rasboras need a filter to keep the water clean and a heater to maintain the right temperature. Go for a filter that isn’t too powerful, as they prefer slower water flow.
- LED indicator light flashes when water cannot pass through the cartridge, generally indicating it’s time to change the cartridge
5. Install A Heater
As for the heater, aim to keep the water temperature consistent, between 72 and 78°F. With this in mind, you’ll only need to purchase a heater that is for a 10 gallon tank.
- All Tetra HT heaters have indicator lights to let you know when the heater is on. It will be red when heating and green when the proper temperature has been reached..All Tetra HT Heaters will shut off if an electrical short is detected for your safety.
6. Get the Water Right
Before you add your fish, make sure the water is right. That means a pH between 6.5 and 8.0, and a general hardness of 1-5 dGH. You’ll also want to treat the water to remove any chlorine or other harmful chemicals.
- POWERFUL TREATMENT: Seachem Prime is a complete and concentrated conditioner for both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, working hard to remove chlorine and chloramine.
7. Add Your Fish
Start by floating the bag your fish came in, right in your tank for about 15-20 minutes. This evens out the temperatures, so there’s no big shock when they switch environments. Then, add a cup of your tank water into the bag. This helps the fish get used to your water’s specific conditions.
After another 15-20 minutes, it’s time to let them swim free! Use a net to move them into the tank, and make sure not to pour the bag of water into your tank. Keep an eye on your new Danios for a bit to make sure they’re settling in okay.
8. Maintain the Tank
Now that you’re all set up, it’s about maintaining the right conditions. Regularly check the water parameters, clean the tank, and feed your fish a balanced diet.
- Contains one (1) API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, including 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card and 4 tubes with cap
If you’ve never setup a fish tank before then you need to check out this article!
Male Vs Female
Telling the male Celestial Pearl Danios from the Female ones might seem tricky at first, but once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell them apart pretty easily.
First off, males are typically more colorful than females. They’re covered in those vibrant, shiny colors that give them their celestial name. They have deep, dark blue bodies that are dotted with bright, pearl-like spots, and their fins are usually a striking red-orange color.
Simply put, the male CPDs are the show-offs, using their bright colors to impress the ladies.
On the other hand, female Celestial Pearl Danios are a bit less flashy. They’re usually lighter in color, with a more dull blue or grayish body and fewer bright spots. Their fins are also less colorful, typically showing just a hint of the red you’ll see in the males.
But here’s an interesting bit – the ladies tend to be a little rounder in the belly, especially when they’re full of eggs.
Diet
In the wild, Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivores, eating a mixed diet of small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. To replicate this varied diet in your aquarium, make sure to provide them with a balanced mix of high-quality flake or pellet food, and supplement that with live or frozen foods.
High-quality flake or pellet food designed for small tropical fish makes a good base for their diet. This provides a balance of nutrients and is easy for them to eat. But, just like we wouldn’t want to eat the same thing every day, neither do your fish. So, mixing up their diet keeps things interesting and nutritious.
That’s where live or frozen foods come in. Foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are a great choice. These mimic the invertebrates they’d eat in the wild, and they’re packed with protein. If live food isn’t your thing, don’t worry – frozen versions are readily available and just as nutritious.
Lastly, don’t forget that Celestial Pearl Danios love their greens too. Algae-based foods and blanched veggies, like peas or spinach, help round out their diet. And there’s a bonus – these can also help keep your tank clean!
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: Highly digestible flake blend for use as staple food for all tropical fish.
(Want to know about the best tropical fish food for your fish?)
Celestial Pearl Danios Tank Mates
Here is a list of some of the best tank mates for your Celestial Pearl Danios:
Neon Tetras
Harlequin Rasboras
Cardinal Tetras
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Dwarf Gourami
Pygmy Corydoras
Amano Shrimp
Nerite Snails
Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Sparkling Gourami
Can Celestial Pearl Danios Live With Tetras?
Celestial Pearl Danios can typically live with Tetras. Both fish are peaceful and prefer to be in groups, so they usually get along well in a community tank. However, always monitor new tank mates for signs of stress or aggression.
Will Danios School With Tetras?
While Danios and Tetras can live peacefully in the same tank, they won’t usually school together. Schooling is a behavior usually reserved for their own species. So your Danios will school with other Danios, and Tetras with other Tetras.
Will Celestial Pearl Danios Eat Guppy Fry?
Celestial Pearl Danios are generally peaceful fish, but they might eat guppy fry if given the chance. The small size of the fry might make them an easy snack for the Danios. If you’re breeding guppies, it might be best to separate the fry to ensure their safety.
Will Celestial Pearl Danios Eat Cherry Shrimp?
Celestial Pearl Danios typically coexist peacefully with cherry shrimp. Both are non-aggressive species and often share the same tank without any issues. However, similarly to the guppy fry situation, very small or juvenile cherry shrimp may be seen as food.
Celestial Pearl Danios Plants
Planting your tank is not just about aesthetics, it also creates a more natural environment for your Celestial Pearl Danios. So let’s get into it – here are the top five plants that your Celestial Pearl Danios will love.
1. Java Moss
This is an easy-to-grow plant that’s great for beginners. It provides plenty of cover for your fish and, bonus, it’s a fantastic place for them to lay their eggs!
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT – 1 Java Moss (Taxiphyllum Barbieri) golf ball size portion
2. Java Fern
Like Java Moss, this plant is a beginner’s best friend. It’s easy to care for and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Plus, its large leaves offer plenty of hiding spots for your Danios.
- Provide natural resting and hiding places for your smaller fish and invertebrates
3. Anubias
This slow-growing plant has broad, sturdy leaves that your Danios can hide under. It’s pretty hardy, doesn’t need a ton of light, and can be tied to rocks or driftwood.
- Anubias Nana is one of the most popular aquatic plants loved by both beginners and experts alike, and will instantly give your aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium a lush and natural appearance.
4. Cryptocoryne
‘Crypts’ are great for creating a natural-looking, forest-like environment in your tank. There are many species to choose from, with varying leaf shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Potted Aquarium Plants planted to rockwool. Can be planted as is or removed from pots to plant them separately.
5. Hornwort
This is a fast-growing, floating plant that provides excellent cover and shade. It’s also good for water quality, as it can help absorb excess nutrients.
- You will get 1 bundle, each bundle contains 3 stems. The plants will be similar to the one that you see on the picture of the listing. I will also include a mystery plant of my choosing.
Celestial Pearl Danios Breeding
If you’re thinking about breeding your Celestial Pearl Danios, you’re in for a treat. These little fish are egg scatterers and pretty straightforward to breed. Here’s a simple rundown of how it’s done.
Set up a Breeding Tank
Have a separate tank for breeding to give the eggs and fry the best chance of survival. A 10-gallon tank with a sponge filter and heater should do the trick. Plants like Java Moss are excellent additions since they provide cover for the eggs and fry.
Pick Your Pairs
Identify your males and females (remember, males are brighter and females are rounder), and pick a few healthy pairs. Introduce them into the breeding tank and keep an eye on their behavior.
Feed a High-Protein Diet
Before breeding, feed your Danios a diet rich in protein to get them in the mood. Foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms are great choices.
Spawn Time
When ready to breed, females will scatter their eggs across the substrate and plants, and males will follow behind to fertilize them. After spawning, it’s crucial to remove the adult fish from the tank, as they might eat the eggs.
Fry Care
In 3-4 days, the eggs should hatch into tiny fry. At this stage, they’ll feed on their yolk sac for a couple of days. After that, Feed them small foods like infusoria or commercially available fry food. As they grow, you can gradually start introducing micro-worms and baby brine shrimp.
Celestial Pearl Danios Common Diseases
Now, here are some of the most common Celestial Pearl Danios’ diseases and what you can do to treat them:
| Disease | Symptoms or Causes | Suggested Action or Treatment |
| Ich | White spots on body and fins, flashing behavior | Treat with medication containing formalin or malachite green |
| Velvet Disease | Yellow or grayish film on body, loss of appetite | Treat with copper-based medication |
| Columnaris | Cotton-like growth on body or fins, ulcers or sores | Improve water quality, treat with antibiotics or antifungals |
| Dropsy (Edema) | Swollen abdomen, protruding scales | Isolate infected fish, treat with antibiotics |
| Fin Erosion or Rot | Deterioration or fraying of fins, redness or inflammation | Improve water quality, treat with antibiotics if severe |
How Many Celestial Pearl Danios Can You Keep Together?
When it comes to keeping Celestial Pearl Danios, they’re happiest when they’re part of a group. They’re schooling fish, meaning they naturally like to hang out together in groups.
For a start, Keep at least six Celestial Pearl Danios together. Less than that, and they might get a bit stressed out. They like to have tankmates around, and they show their best colors and behaviors when they’re in a group.
But here’s the catch – you need to make sure your tank’s big enough. These fish may be small, but they still need space to swim around and explore. Aim for a minimum of 10 gallons for a small group of six fish. This gives them enough room to swim, explore, and interact without feeling cramped.
If you’ve got a bigger tank and want to add more Celestial Pearl Danios, go for it! Just stick to the general rule of adding an extra 2 gallons for each additional fish. So if you want to keep ten Celestial Pearl Danios, aim for a tank that’s around 18-20 gallons.
How Many Celestial Pearl Danios Can You Keep In A 5 Gallon Tank
A 5-gallon tank is generally considered too small for Celestial Pearl Danios. These are schooling fish that prefer to be in groups of six or more, and a 5-gallon tank doesn’t provide enough space for a school. Ideally, you should keep them in a 10-gallon tank or larger.
How Many Celestial Pearl Danios Can You Have In A 10 Gallon Tank?
In a 10-gallon tank, you can comfortably keep a small group of six Celestial Pearl Danios. This allows them enough space to swim, explore, and interact without feeling cramped. If you have a larger tank and want to add more, remember to add about 2 gallons for each additional Danio.
Facts About Celestial Pearl Danios
- Celestial Pearl Danios were only discovered in 2006 in Myanmar, making them a relatively recent addition to the aquarium scene.
- The ‘Celestial’ part of their name comes from the pearl-like spots on their body, which look like stars in the night sky.
- They were initially thought to be rare in the wild, due to over-collection when they were first discovered. However, further research found that they’re actually quite abundant in their natural habitats.
- Celestial Pearl Danios are one of the smallest species of aquarium fish, usually only growing up to an inch long.
- Male Celestial Pearl Danios are more colorful than the females, using their bright colors to attract mates.
- Celestial Pearl Danios are schooling fish, preferring to be in groups of six or more. They feel safest when they are part of a larger group.
- These fish tend to stick to the bottom half of the tank, often hiding among plants and rocks.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about caring for celestial pearl danios!
Are Celestial Pearl Danios Rare?
Celestial Pearl Danios were once believed to be rare due to over-collection for aquariums, but recent studies have shown they’re actually abundant in their natural habitats in Myanmar. So while they might be newly discovered, they’re not considered rare in the wild.
Do Celestial Pearl Danios Lay Eggs?
Celestial Pearl Danios do lay eggs. Females scatter their eggs among plants and the substrate when they’re ready to breed, and males follow behind to fertilize them.
Do Celestial Pearl Danios Nip Fins?
Celestial Pearl Danios are generally not known to be fin nippers. They’re peaceful by nature and prefer to keep to themselves or their school rather than cause trouble.
Conclusion
Celestial Pearl Danios can make your tank sparkle with their star-like spots. But to keep them shining, they need the right care. We hope this guide helps you understand what they need, from food to tank setup, to behavior and breeding.
