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

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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

Spotfin Goby Cichlid

Tanganicodus irsacae

🐠Family Group
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
24–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

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

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)
Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid 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

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) (6.5–7.5) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) or Spotfin Goby Cichlid aggressive?

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10) and Spotfin Goby Cichlid 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 Spotfin Goby Cichlid need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) prefers 6.5–7.5, while Spotfin Goby Cichlid needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Spotfin Goby Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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