Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestichthys margaritatus
Also known as: Galaxy rasbora, CPD
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 2 cm (0.75 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 38 litres (10 gallons)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle-and-bottom
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 8
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 20–25°C
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (GH): 89–268 ppm (5–15 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
Discovered in Myanmar in 2006 and immediately became one of the most popular nano fish in the hobby. Males display extraordinary patterning: pearl-spotted blue-green body with red-orange fins, like miniature aquatic peacocks. Genuinely beginner-friendly when kept in proper groups in stable water. Prefers densely planted tanks with subdued lighting and plenty of cover. Will breed readily in well-planted tanks, producing small clutches of eggs deposited among plants. A genuine recommendation for keepers wanting a striking small species without the dietary fussiness of scarlet badis. Note: original wild populations were nearly fished out by aquarium demand within a year of discovery; today's specimens are nearly all captive-bred.
Tankmates
An exceptionally peaceful nano species: a small mouth and gentle temperament make them shrimp-safe even with juvenile shrimp. Best kept in groups of 8+ for proper schooling and reduced shyness. Males are more vividly coloured and display to each other; females are slightly larger with rounder bellies. Compatible with most peaceful nano species. Cooler-water tolerance than many tropical nano fish makes them suitable for unheated tanks at room temperature in warmer Australian regions.
Compatible with
- Ember Tetra
- Chili Rasbora
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Scarlet Badis
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Honey Gourami
- Peacock Gudgeon
- Dwarf Emerald Rasbora
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Angelfish
- Large Cichlids
- Tiger Barb
- Fin Nippers
- Tropical Warm Water Species
Common Problems
- shyness in groups smaller than 8
- stress in bright open tanks
- pale colour in unsuitable water
- occasional ich
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18