Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) At a Glance
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Tank Requirements
Will Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Water Parameters
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Temperament & Compatibility
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Usually sold unsexed. Best kept in groups of 6 or more, ideally with a higher ratio of females to males to reduce stress from male sparring. Ensure dense planting to overcome their natural shyness.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Schooling
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Care Guide Summary
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora), scientifically known as Danio margaritatus, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is typically available in one standard form.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Is Actually For
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
How big does Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) get?
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) (Danio margaritatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) need?
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) peaceful or aggressive?
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) should be kept together?
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesTiger Pleco (L002)
Panaqolus sp. L002
Ideal Tank MatesParallel Cory
Corydoras parallelus
Ideal Tank MatesCandy Striped Pleco (L015)
Peckoltia vittata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
These plants pair well with Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cherry Spot Rasbora
Rasbora rubrodorsalis
A peaceful and active nano cyprinid native to the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by a distinctive bright red spot on its dorsal fin and a dark lateral line. They are a somewhat shy but excellent shoaling species that thrives in blackwater or heavily planted setups.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A striking, deeply red nano fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of southern Borneo. They are extremely peaceful and require a mature, densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water. Due to their tiny size, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp and are ideal for nano setups.
Pearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
A highly active, schooling cyprinid native to the clear, flowing streams of Southeast Asia. Known for their iridescent, pearlescent bodies that shimmer under aquarium lighting with hints of blue, pink, and orange. They are very hardy but require significant horizontal swimming space and a tight-fitting lid due to their notorious jumping ability.
Emerald Dwarf Danio
Danio erythromicron
An exquisite, tiny cyprinid endemic to Lake Inle in Myanmar. Known for their striking emerald vertical bands and reddish-orange fins. Because they originate from a slightly alkaline mountain lake, they prefer cooler, harder water than many tropical fish. They are notoriously shy and must be kept in schools in heavily planted tanks with broken sightlines to feel secure.
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
A tiny, peaceful shoaling fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for their striking red/orange coloration and distinct dark body spots. They are an excellent choice for heavily planted nano tanks and peaceful dwarf shrimp setups. Because of their minute size, they are easily outcompeted for food and predated upon by larger fish.
Glowlight Danio
Danio choprae
A strikingly colorful and hyperactive nano fish native to the Irrawaddy River drainage in Myanmar. Named for its glowing orange/red horizontal bands and vertical barring. Despite their small size, they are incredibly fast, dynamic swimmers that require a long aquarium with ample swimming space. They must be kept in large schools and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is mandatory.



