Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestichthys margaritatus

Also known as: Galaxy rasbora, CPD, Celestichthys margaritatus

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–25°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 89–268 ppm

Care Summary

Discovered in Myanmar in 2006 and immediately became one of the most popular nano fish in the hobby. Males display extraordinary patterning: pearl-spotted blue-green body with red-orange fins, like miniature aquatic peacocks. Genuinely beginner-friendly when kept in proper groups in stable water. Prefers densely planted tanks with subdued lighting and plenty of cover. Will breed readily in well-planted tanks, producing small clutches of eggs deposited among plants. A genuine recommendation for keepers wanting a striking small species without the dietary fussiness of scarlet badis. Note: original wild populations were nearly fished out by aquarium demand within a year of discovery; today's specimens are nearly all captive-bred.

Tankmates

An exceptionally peaceful nano species: a small mouth and gentle temperament make them shrimp-safe even with juvenile shrimp. Best kept in groups of 8+ for proper schooling and reduced shyness. Males are more vividly coloured and display to each other; females are slightly larger with rounder bellies. Compatible with most peaceful nano species. Cooler-water tolerance than many tropical nano fish makes them suitable for unheated tanks at room temperature in warmer Australian regions.

Compatible with

• Ember Tetra
• Chili Rasbora
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Scarlet Badis
• Cherry Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp
• Honey Gourami

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Angelfish
• Large Cichlids
• Tiger Barb
• Fin Nippers
• Tropical Warm Water Species

Common Problems

• shyness in groups smaller than 8
• stress in bright open tanks
• pale colour in unsuitable water
• occasional ich

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-06