Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)

The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), often called the Galaxy Rasbora, is one of the most striking nano fish in the hobby. Males show a deep blue body scattered with pearl-white spots and bright orange-red fins, like a tiny galaxy in motion. Discovered in the cool highland ponds of Myanmar, these peaceful micro-fish stay under an inch and shoal beautifully in a well-planted aquarium, making them a perfect centerpiece for nano and shrimp tanks.

Care Guide

Celestial Pearl Danios are shy by nature and feel safest in groups of at least six, where the males color up and display to one another. Give them a densely planted tank with gentle flow and plenty of cover so they venture out and show their best color. They come from cooler waters, so they thrive at the lower end of the tropical range and do not need a hot tank. Because their mouths are tiny, feed small foods such as crushed flakes, micro pellets, and baby brine shrimp.

Specifications

Tank Mates & Compatibility

CPDs are ideal for peaceful nano communities. They pair wonderfully with other small, gentle fish and with dwarf shrimp, which they leave alone once the shrimp are adult-sized. Keep them away from large, fast, or fin-nipping fish that will stress or outcompete them. A planted nano tank with a shoal of CPDs, a few ember tetras, and some cherry shrimp is a classic, low-stress display.

Recommended Supplies

• Build a peaceful nano community with Ember Tetras and Cherry Shrimp.
• Feed a quality staple they can graze on, like Seachem NutriDiet Tropical Flakes (crush for tiny mouths).
• Browse all of our Freshwater & Saltwater Fish.
• Explore the full Freshwater collection for plants, tanks, and gear.

Questions & Answers

How many should I keep together?
Keep at least six, and more is better. In a confident group the males display their best color and the fish feel secure enough to swim out in the open rather than hiding.

What water temperature do they like?
Cooler than most tropical fish. They come from highland ponds and thrive in the 73 to 79°F range, so they do not need a warm tank and even do well in room-temperature setups.

Are they good with shrimp?
Yes. CPDs are a favorite for shrimp tanks because they will not harass adult dwarf shrimp. They may pick at the occasional newborn shrimplet, but a planted tank gives babies plenty of cover.

What should I feed such a small fish?
Small foods only. Crushed flakes, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia all work well. A varied diet brings out their best color and keeps the shoal healthy.