Celestial Pearl Danio: Care Guide for Galaxy Rasbora

The Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a stunning freshwater aquarium fish. This nano fish is perfect for adding color to your tank. They were discovered in 2006 in Southeast Asia and are loved by many.

These fish are small, measuring 0.75 to 1 inch in length. They are great for smaller aquariums. They do best in groups of 10-15, with a minimum of six for their comfort. With proper care, they can live up to 3-5 years.

Galaxy Rasboras are from Myanmar and northern Thailand. They like cooler waters with dense vegetation. In captivity, they prefer temperatures between 71°F and 78°F and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A 10-gallon tank is good for a small group, but bigger tanks are better for more vibrant schools.

Key Takeaways

• Celestial Pearl Danios are small, colorful fish perfect for nano tanks
• They prefer cooler water temperatures between 71°F and 78°F
• A group of 10-15 fish is ideal for their social nature
• They thrive in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots
• Galaxy Rasboras are peaceful community fish suitable for mixed species tanks
• Their diet should include small, slow-sinking foods for optimal health
• With proper care, these fish can live up to 3-5 years

Introduction to the Celestial Pearl Danio

The Celestial Pearl Danio, a small fish with beautiful patterns, has won the hearts of many since 2006. Known also as Galaxy Rasboras, they are loved for their bright colors and calm nature. They are perfect for small aquariums.

Scientific Classification and Common Names

These fish are scientifically called Danio margaritatus and belong to the Cyprinidae family. They were once thought to be Microrasbora. Now, they are known by many names:

• Galaxy Rasbora
• Celestial Eye Danio
• Celestial Pearl Danio (CPD)

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

Celestial Pearl Danios are tiny, reaching just 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. Their dark blue bodies have bright white or yellow spots, making a beautiful pattern. Males show off their colors more, especially when they’re looking for a mate.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

These fish live in shallow, green pools in Myanmar’s mountains. They like slightly alkaline water and temperatures between 22-26°C (71-78°F). Their natural home helps them thrive in planted nano tanks.

“The discovery of Celestial Pearl Danios in 2006 sparked a new wave of interest in nano aquariums and microfish species.”

Setting Up the Perfect Aquarium for Galaxy Rasboras

To create a great home for Galaxy Rasboras, also known as Celestial Pearl Danios, you need to plan carefully. These nano fish love tanks that look like their natural home. Let’s look at what you need to make a perfect tank for these beautiful schooling fish.

Tank Size and Layout

Galaxy Rasboras are small but love to move around. A 10-gallon tank is good for a small group of 6-8 fish. For bigger schools of 10-15 fish, choose a 20-gallon tank or larger. This gives them room to play and reduces stress.

Water Parameters and Filtration

Keeping the water right is key for your Galaxy Rasboras’ health. They like slightly acidic to neutral water. A good filter helps keep the water clean and stable.

Planting and Decoration

Galaxy Rasboras love a tank full of plants. Choose different plants to give them places to hide and make their tank feel like home. Java fern, bacopa, and floating plants like frogbit are good choices. Add rocks and driftwood for more places to hide and claim as their own.

• Use fine-grained substrate for plant growth
• Create open swimming areas in the middle of the tank
• Provide dim lighting to replicate their natural habitat

By following these tips, you’ll make a great home for your Galaxy Rasboras. They will be happy and healthy in your care.

Celestial Pearl Danio Care and Maintenance

Celestial Pearl Danios are known for their bright colors. They do best in groups of 10-15. This helps them show their natural schooling behavior. Since they grow up to 1 inch, a 10-gallon tank is a good size for a small school.

Keep the water temperature between 72-78°F and the pH level at 6.5-7.5. Regular water changes of 10-20% weekly are key. These fish are hardy but like stable water conditions.

When picking tank mates, choose small, peaceful fish. Good choices include:

• Small tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Kuhli loaches
• Cherry shrimp

Avoid putting Celestial Pearl Danios with big or aggressive fish. To stop male aggression, have one male for every few females. Make sure there are plenty of hiding spots with plants, rocks, and caves.

Feed them 2-3 times a day with a mix of live and frozen foods. Remove any uneaten food after five minutes. With the right care, they can live 3-5 years, adding color and life to your tank.

Feeding and Nutrition for Galaxy Rasboras

Feeding your Galaxy Rasboras right is key to their health and energy. These small fish love to eat a variety of foods. They thrive on an omnivorous diet that matches their natural eating habits.

Natural Diet in the Wild

In the wild, Galaxy Rasboras eat many small foods. They munch on tiny invertebrates, algae, and plant parts. This mix helps them grow strong and stay colorful.

Recommended Foods for Aquarium Care

To care for your Galaxy Rasboras well, give them a variety of foods. Here’s what they like:

• Finely crushed flakes
• Micro pellets
• Small live or frozen worms
• Newly hatched brine shrimp
• Daphnia

Adding frozen cyclops and algae tabs can also boost their nutrition and color.

Feeding Schedule and Amounts

Feed your Galaxy Rasboras small amounts 2-3 times a day. Make sure to remove any leftover food after 5 minutes. This keeps the water clean. These tiny fish have small stomachs, so it’s better to give them a little less than too much.

It’s important to give your Galaxy Rasboras a varied diet. This keeps them healthy and colorful in their home aquarium.

Conclusion

The Celestial Pearl Danio, also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a stunning nano fish. It has become very popular since 2006. These tiny fish, named Celestichthys margaritatus, come from Burma’s Shan Plateau. They are perfect for aquarium care lovers of all levels.

These fish live for 3-5 years in captivity. They love well-planted tanks that look like their home. They can live in different water conditions, making them great for community tanks.

A group of six or more Galaxy Rasboras can live in a 5-10 gallon tank. They show interesting group behaviors and courtship.

Proper care for these fish includes keeping the water below 76°F. They eat premium flakes, micro pellets, and small live foods. Breeding them is rewarding, with females laying 10-30 eggs daily. The fry have a high survival rate and grow up in 3-4 months.

In conclusion, the Celestial Pearl Danio is a unique fish. They add beauty, adaptability, and interesting behaviors to any aquarium. Whether you’re new or experienced, these fish can make your aquarium colorful and lively.