Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Iridescent Shark Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Iridescent Shark 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

Iridescent Shark

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Iridescent Shark
Catfish
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Iridescent Shark
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Iridescent Shark
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Iridescent Shark
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Iridescent Shark
2–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Iridescent Shark
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Iridescent Shark
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 2400 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Iridescent Shark
2000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Iridescent Shark
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Iridescent Shark
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Iridescent Shark is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Iridescent Shark may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Iridescent Shark 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Iridescent Shark is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°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 Iridescent Shark together, plan for an aquarium of at least 2400 litres with a minimum length of 250 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Iridescent Shark 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 Iridescent Shark need?

A minimum of 2400 litres (tank length at least 250 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 Iridescent Shark together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Iridescent Shark aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Iridescent Shark is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Iridescent Shark 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) & 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

Iridescent Shark & Cuckoo Catfish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulCuckoo Catfish: Peaceful

Iridescent Shark & Featherfin Squeaker

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulFeatherfin Squeaker: Peaceful

Iridescent Shark & Glass Catfish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulGlass Catfish: Peaceful

Iridescent Shark & Pictus Catfish

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulPictus Catfish: Peaceful

Iridescent Shark & Twig Catfish (Farlowella)

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulTwig Catfish (Farlowella): Peaceful

Iridescent Shark & Bristlenose Pleco

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Iridescent Shark: PeacefulBristlenose Pleco: Peaceful