Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon 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

Pacific Sturgeon

Acipenser transmontanus

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Pacific Sturgeon
Oddballs
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Pacific Sturgeon
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Pacific Sturgeon
10–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Pacific Sturgeon
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Pacific Sturgeon
4–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Pacific Sturgeon
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Pacific Sturgeon
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 20000 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Pacific Sturgeon
20000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Pacific Sturgeon
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Pacific Sturgeon
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon?

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)
Pacific Sturgeon
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 22°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°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 Pacific Sturgeon together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Pacific Sturgeon is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora). Pacific Sturgeon is an aggressive eater that may prevent Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) from getting enough food.

Because Pacific Sturgeon is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon 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 Pacific Sturgeon need?

A minimum of 20000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Pacific Sturgeon together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 22°C. A target of around 21.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Pacific Sturgeon aggressive?

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

What pH do Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Pacific Sturgeon 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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