Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. 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

Freshwater Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Freshwater Angelfish
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Freshwater Angelfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Freshwater Angelfish
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Freshwater Angelfish
6–7.8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Freshwater Angelfish
3–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Freshwater Angelfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Freshwater Angelfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 180 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Freshwater Angelfish
150 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Freshwater Angelfish
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Freshwater Angelfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Fin Nipper

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Freshwater Angelfish is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Freshwater Angelfish may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 180 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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), Plants - lighly covered. 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.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Freshwater Angelfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish need?

A minimum of 180 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Freshwater Angelfish 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 Freshwater Angelfish aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Freshwater Angelfish is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Angelfish 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.

Will Freshwater Angelfish nip Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)'s fins?

Freshwater Angelfish 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 Freshwater Angelfish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Freshwater Angelfish's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Freshwater Angelfish 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.


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