Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby 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

Marble Goby

Oxyeleotris marmorata

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Marble Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Marble Goby
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Marble Goby
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Marble Goby
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Marble Goby
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Marble Goby
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Marble Goby
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 600 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Marble Goby
600 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Marble Goby
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Marble Goby
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalShrimp EaterTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby?

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)
Marble Goby
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Marble Goby is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Marble Goby may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby 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.

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.

Worth noting: Marble Goby 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 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.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby together, plan for an aquarium of at least 600 litres with a minimum length of 180 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby need?

A minimum of 600 litres (tank length at least 180 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 Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Marble Goby is semi-aggressive (7/10). 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 Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby's territorial behaviour?

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

Does Marble Goby being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Marble Goby 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 Marble Goby 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

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) & Emerald Dwarf Danio

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulEmerald Dwarf Danio: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Five Banded Barb

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulFive Banded Barb: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Golden Dwarf Barb

·

Possible with Caution
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): PeacefulGolden Dwarf Barb: Peaceful

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Rhomb Barb

·

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) & Arulius Barb

·

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

Marble Goby & Knight Goby

·

Possible with Caution
Marble Goby: PeacefulKnight Goby: Peaceful

Marble Goby & Purple Spotted Gudgeon

·

Possible with Caution
Marble Goby: PeacefulPurple Spotted Gudgeon: Peaceful

Marble Goby & Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)

·

Not Recommended
Marble Goby: PeacefulBumblebee Goby (Brackish): Peaceful

Marble Goby & Empire Gudgeon

·

Possible with Caution
Marble Goby: PeacefulEmpire Gudgeon: Peaceful

Marble Goby & Florida Flagfish

·

Possible with Caution
Marble Goby: PeacefulFlorida Flagfish: Peaceful

Marble Goby & Gangetic Leaf Fish

·

Possible with Caution
Marble Goby: PeacefulGangetic Leaf Fish: Peaceful