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

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Flounder 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

Freshwater Flounder

Trinectes maculatus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Freshwater Flounder
Oddballs
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Freshwater Flounder
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Freshwater Flounder
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Freshwater Flounder
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Freshwater Flounder
10–25
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Freshwater Flounder
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Freshwater Flounder
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Freshwater Flounder
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Freshwater Flounder
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Freshwater Flounder
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Flounder?

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)
Freshwater Flounder
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Flounder are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Flounder 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.

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

Worth noting: Freshwater Flounder 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 20°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°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 10–15 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 Freshwater Flounder together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 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, Sand (Sifters). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Freshwater Flounder 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 Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder need?

A minimum of 110 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 Flounder together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 26°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Freshwater Flounder aggressive?

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

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

Does Freshwater Flounder being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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