Celestial Pearl Danio - Danio margaritatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus) are a fascinating and colourful species that have won the hearts of many hobbyists. These fish are a great addition to nano and well-planted aquariums, adding a pop of colour to any setup. However, these fish can be shy, so it's crucial to provide plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment for them to thrive.
As shoaling fish, Celestial Pearl Danios are known for sparring with each other, especially rival males. Although some nipped fins may occur, this behaviour is not likely to extend to other tankmates. It's best to keep these fish in groups of 10 or more individuals, spreading aggression throughout the group and displaying brighter colours.
Ideal tank mates for Celestial Pearl Danios include other small Cyprinids, microdevario species and similarly-sized, surface-dwelling species. Avoid keeping them with larger or more boisterous tankmates that may intimidate or outcompete them for food. To create a natural and stimulating environment for these fish, it's best to have a heavily-planted setup with a dark substrate, providing broken lines of sight to reduce their skittishness. Floating plants are an excellent addition, while driftwood and dried leaves should be avoided due to their tannin release. Celestial Pearl Danios require gentle filtration, and an air-powered sponge filter would be ideal.
Male Celestial Pearl Danios exhibit bright blue body colouration with more colour in their fins, while females have duller bluish-greenish background colouration with a yellowish tint on their bellies. Both sexes have small pearly dots on their bodies, adding to their unique appearance.
Celestial Pearl Danio Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Celestial Pearl Danios is relatively simple. Males tend to be thinner, more vibrantly coloured, and have a distinctively orangy chest. Additionally, their bodies tend to have a higher tail end. In contrast, females have a more rounded body shape and are slightly duller in colour.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Danio margaritatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2006 |
| Other Names | Galaxy rasbora, Fireworks rasbora, Rasbora toei, Chilli rasbora, Microrasbora |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Danio |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 2.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6 .5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 15 |
| KH | 1 - 5 |
| TDS | 100 - 500 |
| ℉ | 68 - 78 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Celestial Pearl Danios are exclusively found in a small mountainous region located near Hopong, east of Inle Lake, on the outskirts of the Shan state capital of Taunggyi. Their natural habitat is located in the Southeast Asian nation of Burma, also known as Myanmar. The Celestial Pearl Danios are unique in that they are exclusively found in this small geographic area.
Their limited distribution has only added to their allure and desirability among fish enthusiasts. Adding these remarkable fish to your aquarium is a great way to showcase their distinctive beauty and rarity. So why wait? Explore the wonder of Celestial Pearl Danios and bring a touch of Southeast Asia into your home today!.
Breeding
As an egg-scattering species, Celestial Pearl Danios do not exhibit any parental care, but they can spawn often in a densely-planted aquarium. If you want to increase the yield of fry, a more controlled approach is necessary. You can condition a group of adult fish together and set up small containers with mature water, fine-leaved plants, or spawning mops. Introducing a single pair or group to each container, including one or two males and several females, should be done once the adult fish are well-conditioned. However, note that more individuals involved can increase the risk of egg predation, and males may distract each other from the females.
After spawning, it is best to remove the adults, or they will consume the eggs if given a chance. Females will require a recovery period before spawning again, as they cannot produce eggs daily. The eggs'incubation period is temperature-dependent, typically taking around 72 hours to hatch. The fry will become free swimming about three to four days later. Initially, Paramecium or a proprietary dry food of a small grade, should be used to feed the fry. You can introduce baby brine shrimp and microworm around a week later once the fry is large enough to accept them.
Diet & feeding
To keep your Celestial Pearl Danios healthy and vibrant, it's important to consider their small mouths when selecting their food. Luckily, these fish are not picky eaters and will readily accept high-quality dried food such as pellets, granules, and flakes. However, since they tend to stay towards the middle to bottom levels of the aquarium, sinking dried food may be more suitable. In addition to dried food, live, frozen, or freeze-dried options such as daphnia and bloodworm are also excellent choices. These foods will not only keep your Celestial Pearl Danios well-fed but also help enhance their natural colours.
Frequently asked questions
Videos
10 tank mate ideas for the Celestial Pearl Danio
Looking for some awesome tank mate ideas for your Celestial Pearl Danio? Look no further! Here are 10 of the most captivating and fascinating options that will liven up your aquarium!
