Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Also called Galaxy rasbora, CPD, Celestichthys margaritatus, Microrasbora sp. 'Galaxy'
From Shan State in eastern Myanmar, near Hopong east of Inle Lake at over 1,000 m elevation, with further populations found in northern Thailand123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Tiny, compact cyprinid
A miniature fish covered in pearly white to golden spots on a blue body, like a small night sky. Its fins carry bands of red or orange edged with black. Males are steel to deep blue with bright red fins, and develop a red belly when courting. Females are greener and rounder, with softer orange fin markings.12
Personality what they are like
A shoaling fish that can be shy, spending time among plants. Males spar with rivals in short displays, which spreads out harmlessly when the group is large.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves in loose shoals through dense plants rather than racing in open water. A calm, well planted tank shows off its natural behaviour.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Thick planting, steady water quality and a varied diet of small foods keep colours at their best.1
Home where they are happiest
Water at about 20 to 26 C, pH roughly 6.5 to 7.5 and hardness 5 to 15 dGH. A base of at least 45 x 30 cm (around 40 litres) for a group. Its wild home is shallow, spring fed, densely vegetated grassland ponds about 30 cm deep.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Eats tiny invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. Accepts small dry foods, but regular live or frozen Daphnia and brine shrimp help colour and breeding condition.13
Company who they like around
Best in a group of 20 or more. Good tankmates are other tiny, calm fish; it should not be kept with the Emerald Dwarf Rasbora as the two can crossbreed.1
The story where it all began
Found in 2006 by the exporter Kamphol Udomritthiruj and first sold as the Galaxy Rasbora, it caused a sensation in the hobby. Tyson Roberts formally described it in 2007. Once rare and costly, it is now widely farm bred.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its scientific name margaritatus means adorned with pearls, after its spotted body.1
- 2
UK hobbyists Pete Liptrot and Paul Dixon bred it within weeks of its arrival in 2006.1
- 3
Its first known wild home is a series of shallow ponds no deeper than about 30 cm.3
- 4
Prices fell from over 20 US dollars per fish to around 4 dollars once captive breeding took off.2
- 5
In captivity it may spawn almost every day.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Data Deficient (assessed January 2010)3
- FishBase
- Listed as a commercial aquarium species3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Celestial Pearl Danio. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Celestial Pearl Danio?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their natural grazing habit and keeps water quality stable. Overfeeding can harm the tank, so offer only what they eat in a minute or two. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Celestial Pearl Danio eat, and what should it never eat?
In the wild they eat tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. They accept small dry foods, but regular live or frozen Daphnia and brine shrimp boost colour and breeding condition. There is no specific list of foods to avoid in the given information, so ask a vet or experienced breeder for guidance on safe treats.13
How much space does a Celestial Pearl Danio need?
A group needs a base of at least 45 x 30 cm, which is around 40 litres. This gives them room to shoal among dense plants. A larger tank is even better for their natural behaviour.13
What temperature, light or water does a Celestial Pearl Danio need?
Keep water at 20 to 26 C, pH roughly 6.5 to 7.5, and hardness 5 to 15 dGH. They come from shallow, densely vegetated ponds, so gentle lighting and plenty of plants help them feel secure. Check temperature daily and test water weekly as part of Furry Diary's plan.13 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Celestial Pearl Danio's home?
Furry Diary suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, along with cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter once a month in old tank water, never tap water. Steady water quality keeps these little fish healthy and colourful. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Celestial Pearl Danio live with others?
Yes, they are shoaling fish and do best in a group of 20 or more. Good tankmates are other tiny, calm fish. Avoid keeping them with Emerald Dwarf Rasbora because the two can crossbreed.1
How long does a Celestial Pearl Danio live?
Lifespan is not specified in the information I have. It varies with care and environment, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for a typical range.
Can I handle a Celestial Pearl Danio?
Handling is not recommended for these tiny, delicate fish. They are easily stressed and can be injured. Enjoy watching them from outside the tank, and use a net only when absolutely necessary.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Neon Green RasboraWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Celestichthys margaritatus (Celestial Pearl Danio), Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, habitat, size, water parameters, tank size, diet, behaviour, colours, history, fun facts
- Celestial pearl danio, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size range, colours, discovery, prices, spawning
- Danio margaritatus, FishBase fishbase.seused for max length, IUCN status, habitat, temperature
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.