Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)

Baryancistrus xanthellus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Catfish
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
27–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
2–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 300 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) 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.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) (20–26°C) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) (27–32°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 300 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Find the right tank equipment

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) need?

A minimum of 300 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) requires 20–26°C, while Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) needs 27–32°C.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) 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 Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) 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 Gold Nugget Pleco (L018)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) 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.


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) & Bala Shark

·

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Chili Rasbora

·

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Denison Barb (Roseline Shark)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulDenison Barb (Roseline Shark): Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Gold Barb

·

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Odessa Barb

·

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

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Royal Pleco (L190)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulRoyal Pleco (L190): Peaceful

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Common Pleco

·

🔴Not Recommended
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulCommon Pleco: Peaceful

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Cuckoo Catfish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulCuckoo Catfish: Peaceful

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Featherfin Squeaker

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulFeatherfin Squeaker: Peaceful

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Red-Tail Catfish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulRed-Tail Catfish: Peaceful

Gold Nugget Pleco (L018) & Pictus Catfish

·

🔴Not Recommended
Gold Nugget Pleco (L018): PeacefulPictus Catfish: Peaceful