Celestial Pearl Danio Care Guide: Tank Setup, Feeding, Breeding
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) is a tiny, peaceful freshwater fish that brings color and calm energy to any nano tank. Known for their shimmering blue bodies and orange fins, they are perfect for planted aquariums. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know—from tank setup and feeding to breeding and health tips.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Danio margaritatus |
| Size | 0.75–1 inch |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Tank Level | Mid to bottom |
| Min. Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
What Makes Celestial Pearl Danios Special?
These tiny fish come from small freshwater ponds in Myanmar. Their bright colors and calm behavior make them a favorite in community tanks. They’re often called “Galaxy Rasboras” and thrive when kept in small groups.
Related: Best freshwater aquarium fish
Ideal Tank Setup
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is the bare minimum for a group of 6. They feel more secure in a school and show better colors when comfortable.
Filtration & Equipment: A sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter is best. Avoid strong currents, as they prefer still or slow-moving water.
Plants & Decor: Use live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants for cover. Driftwood and caves help reduce stress.
Explore: Aquarium plants guide
Water Parameters
Keep conditions stable and clean. Use a reliable heater and test the water weekly.
- Temperature: 72–78°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
- Water change: 25% weekly
Learn: Freshwater aquarium setup
Feeding Celestial Pearl Danios
They are micropredators and enjoy hunting small food particles.
Best foods include:
- Baby brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Microworms
- Crushed flakes (occasionally)
Feed 2–3 times a day in small amounts. Drop food close to them so they get their share.
Peaceful Tank Mates
They do well with other peaceful nano fish and shrimp.
Great companions:
- Ember Tetras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Cherry Shrimp (adults)
Avoid fin-nippers or fast eaters like guppies or barbs.
Behavior
Celestial Pearl Danios are calm but shy. Keep them in groups of 6 or more. Males sometimes show off but rarely get aggressive. You’ll see them swimming in the middle or hiding among plants.
Breeding Tips
Breeding is possible at home with the right setup.
Breeding tank:
- 10 gallons with moss or spawning mop
- Slightly acidic water (pH ~6.8)
- Temp: 75–78°F
Feed the pair live food to condition them. After spawning, remove the adults. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days. Start fry on infusoria, then baby brine shrimp.
Common Health Issues
Healthy when cared for properly, but small size makes them sensitive.
Watch for:
- Ich
- Fin rot
- Stress-related color loss
Keep water stable, feed a proper diet, and avoid aggressive tank mates.
Learn: Freshwater fish diseases
FAQs
Are they beginner-friendly?
Yes, with clean water and quality food.
Do they eat flakes?
Sometimes, but live/frozen is preferred.
Can they live with shrimp?
Yes, but may eat shrimplets.
How long do they live?
About 3–5 years.
Do they school?
Yes, keep them in groups of 6+.
Final Thoughts
Celestial Pearl Danios are a gem in small aquariums. With their peaceful nature and stunning look, they bring charm to any planted setup. Just give them stable water, good food, and peaceful tank mates—and they’ll do great.
