Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)

Danio margaritatus

Clown Pleco (L104)

Panaqolus maccus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Clown Pleco (L104)
Catfish
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Clown Pleco (L104)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Clown Pleco (L104)
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Clown Pleco (L104)
6–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Clown Pleco (L104)
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Clown Pleco (L104)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Clown Pleco (L104)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Clown Pleco (L104)
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Clown Pleco (L104)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Clown Pleco (L104)
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)NocturnalTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Clown Pleco (L104)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Clown Pleco (L104) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Clown Pleco (L104) may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Clown Pleco (L104) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104).

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) live together?

Yes. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Clown Pleco (L104) aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Clown Pleco (L104) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Clown Pleco (L104) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Clown Pleco (L104)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Clown Pleco (L104) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Does Clown Pleco (L104) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Clown Pleco (L104) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Clown Pleco (L104) during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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