Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)

Danio margaritatus

Finger Fish

Monodactylus argenteus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Finger Fish
Oddballs
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Finger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Finger Fish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Finger Fish
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Finger Fish
12–30
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Finger Fish
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Finger Fish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Finger Fish
470 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Finger Fish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Finger Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperPlant DestroyerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish?

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)
Finger Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Finger Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 12–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Finger Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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 Usually Fails in Practice

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish need?

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Finger Fish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Finger Fish aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Finger Fish need?

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

Will Finger Fish nip Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)'s fins?

Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Finger Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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