Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 38 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)

Danio margaritatus

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)

Trigonostigma espei

🐟Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 38 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)?

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)
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) may occasionally assert dominance over Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora).

Show 22 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 38 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) need?

A minimum of 38 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) 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 Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) 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.


Related Comparisons

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Cherry Barb

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulCherry Barb: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Emerald Dwarf Danio

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulEmerald Dwarf Danio: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Arulius Barb

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulArulius Barb: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Bala Shark

·

Not Recommended
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulBala Shark: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Black Ruby Barb

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulBlack Ruby Barb: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Brilliant Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulBrilliant Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Cherry Spot Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulCherry Spot Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Chili Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulChili Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Emerald Eye Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulEmerald Eye Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Blackline Rasbora

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulBlackline Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Copper Harlequin Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulCopper Harlequin Rasbora: Peaceful

Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora) & Dwarf Rasbora

·

Possible with Caution
Espei Rasbora (Lambchop Rasbora): PeacefulDwarf Rasbora: Peaceful