Celestial Pearl Danio

The Celestial Pearl Danio (CPD), also known as the Galaxy Rasbora or Danio margaritatus, is August’s gorgeous fish of the month. Hailing from the densely planted ponds between the Nam Lang and Nam Pawn river, the Celestial Pearl Danio has risen to astonishing popularity amongst aquarium hobbyists.

Discovered in 2006 in Northern Myanmar, the Celestial Pearl Danio immediately took the Singapore aquarium trade by storm, fetching extraordinary prices. The demand for CPD’s exceeded their availability very quickly. Export from the wild for these fish was banned within a year, but not before breeding became possible for the average hobbyist.

Thanks to careful breeding, Celestial Pearl Danios are now some of the most sought-after fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Their peaceful nature makes them compatible with other small, docile fish and shrimp, but not aggressive or fast moving swimmers. Not growing more than 1 inch long, they are a fan-favorite in many nano-tanks across the world. CPD’s require a pH of 6-7.5, a temperature of 72-76 degrees, and a tank size of at least 5 gallons. With parameters like this, it is no wonder that nano-tank enthusiasts cannot get enough of the Celestial Pearl Danio. CPD’s are an omnivore in the wild and readily accept most types of flake food and insect or larvae based foods; the supplemental addition of live brine shrimp is also encouraged.

Male Celestial Pearl Danios are well known for their boisterous red speckled fins and dark bodies; the females are brightly colored and have speckled fins as well. Dark substrate will encourage them to bring out their colors more, and densly planted tanks are helpful for them to display their natural behavior and colors. CPD’s love to dart around the tank in their own unique way, hangout near their favorite shelter, or gather in a school for extended periods of time. Green Myriophyllum and Cabomba are just a few plants that CPD’s unite well with to create a beautiful tank environment. Housing Celestial Pearl Danios with other peaceful fish like Harlequin Rasboras or Cardinal Tetras will provide striking coloration that everyone can admire.