The Celestial Pearl Danio (CPD), also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a shining star in the world of freshwater aquariums. With its iridescent scales and vibrant colors, it’s no wonder that this fish is a favorite among aquarists of all levels. Imagine a miniature disco ball swimming in your tank, and you’ll have a good idea of what the Celestial Pearl Danio looks like.
But this fish isn’t just a pretty face. With its hardy nature and peaceful temperament, it’s a great addition to any community tank. And with a lifespan of up to 3 years, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your new little sparkly friend.
| Data Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Celestichthys margaritatus |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons (37.8L) |
| Water Temperature | 68-78°F (20-26°C) |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderate |
| Diet | Micro-predator, feeds on small crustaceans, insects, and worms |
| Breeding Tank Size | 10 gallons (37.8L) |
| Breeding Method | Egg-layer, with free-swimming fry |
| Breeding Difficulty | Moderate |
| Maximum Size | 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Tankmates | Peaceful fish species |
Appearance
The Celestial Pearl Danio has a circular body shape and a large eye that sits on the side of its head. Its scales are iridescent and give off a bright, metallic shine, with colors that range from blue, green, pink, and purple. The fins are clear and delicate, and the tail fin is slightly forked. The males and females look similar, but males tend to be slightly smaller, and their fins are longer.
Lifespan
The Celestial Pearl Danio has a lifespan of up to 3 years, with proper care and maintenance.
Average Size and Growth Rate
The Celestial Pearl Danio grows to an average size of 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length, and reaches maturity at around 4-6 months old.
Tank Size
A tank of at least 10 gallons is recommended for keeping the Celestial Pearl Danio.
Water Parameters
The Celestial Pearl Danio prefers water that is between 68-78°F (20-26°C) and with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The water should also be kept at a low to medium hardness level.
Diet
The Celestial Pearl Danio is an omnivore, and it will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Live Brine Shrimp | Live brine shrimp are a great source of protein for Celestial Pearl Danio and mimic their natural diet. They can also help to promote breeding behavior. |
| Microworms | Microworms are small worms that are easy to culture and can be fed to Celestial Pearl Danio fry. They are a great source of protein and essential nutrients. |
| Daphnia | Daphnia are small crustaceans that can be fed live or frozen to Celestial Pearl Danio. They are high in protein and also help to keep the tank clean. |
| Bloodworms | Bloodworms are a great source of protein and essential nutrients for Celestial Pearl Danio. They can be fed live or frozen. |
| Grindal Worms | Grindal worms are a great option for feeding Celestial Pearl Danio fry. They are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, and are also easy to culture. |
| Tubifex worms | Tubifex worms are a great source of protein for Celestial Pearl Danio. They can be fed live or frozen. |
| White Mosquito Larvae | White mosquito larvae are a great source of protein for Celestial Pearl Danio. They can be fed live or frozen. |
| Artemia | Artemia are small crustaceans that can be fed live or frozen to Celestial Pearl Danio. They are high in protein and also help to keep the tank clean. |
| Mysis Shrimp | Mysis shrimp are a great source of protein and essential nutrients for Celestial Pearl Danio. They can be fed live or frozen. |
| Dry Pellets | Dry pellets are a convenient food option for Celestial Pearl Danio. They are formulated to provide a balanced diet and are easy to store. |
Habitat Requirements
The Celestial Pearl Danio prefers a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, roots, and rocks. They also enjoy swimming in open spaces, so make sure to include a good amount of open water. Avoid keeping them in a tank with strong currents as they are not strong swimmers.
Behavior and Temperament
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a peaceful fish that does well in a community tank. They are active swimmers and like to be in groups of at least 6 or more. They can be shy and will often hide when they feel threatened, so make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots.
Breeding
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a relatively easy fish to breed in captivity. Here is a step by step guide on how to breed CPDs:
Step 1: Prepare the Tank
- To breed CPDs, you’ll need to set up a breeding tank that is separate from the main tank.
- The tank should be at least 10 gallons and should be well-planted with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, roots, and rocks.
- The water conditions should be between 72-78°F (22-26°C) with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a low to medium hardness level.
- Provide good filtration and water flow. It is also recommended to use a sponge filter to prevent the fry from getting sucked up.
Step 2: Selecting Your Breeding Group
- You will need to have at least one male and one female.
- The easiest way to tell the difference between male and female is by looking at their fins. Male Celestial Pearl Danio have longer fins than females.
- It’s recommended to have a group of 6-8 individuals, with at least two males and four females. This will increase the chances of getting a successful spawn.
Step 3: Conditioning Your Fish
- Before breeding, you will need to condition your fish. This means providing them with a high-quality diet that is high in protein and vitamins.
- Live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are great choices.
- Feed them twice a day, and make sure that they are well-fed and healthy.
Step 4: Introduce the Fish
- Once your fish are well-conditioned, it’s time to introduce them to the breeding tank.
- Place the male and female fish together in the breeding tank, and monitor their behavior.
- The male will start to chase the female and display courtship behavior such as flaring their fins.
Step 5: Spawning
- Once the female is ready to spawn, she will lay her eggs on a flat surface, such as a leaf or a rock.
- Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch in 24-48 hours.
Step 6: Raising the Fry
- Once the fry hatch, they will be free-swimming and will start to look for food.
- Feed them with very small live or frozen foods, such as infusoria, microworms, or baby brine shrimp.
- As the fry grow, you can gradually increase the size of the food you offer them.
Step 7: Transferring the Fry to the Main Tank
- Once the fry are big enough, you can transfer them to the main tank.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the water conditions and adjust them as needed.
- Keep an eye out for any aggressive tankmates that may harm the fry.
Pro Tip:
- Try adding Java Moss to the breeding tank to give your fry natural surfaces to graze on and hide within.
Tankmates
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a peaceful fish that does well with other peaceful community fish. They are not compatible with larger, more aggressive fish. Good tankmates include other small fish, such as Neon Tetras, Guppies, and Shrimp.
| Tankmate | Description |
|---|---|
| Neon Tetra | Small, peaceful fish known for their vibrant colors. They are a great addition to a community tank with Celestial Pearl Danio. |
| Guppy | Lively and colorful fish that are compatible with Celestial Pearl Danio. They are peaceful and add visual interest to the tank. |
| Ember Tetra | Small, peaceful and hardy fish that can adapt well with Celestial Pearl Danio. They are known for their bright red coloration. |
| Rummy Nose Tetra | A small, peaceful fish with a vibrant red and white coloration. |
| Black Neon Tetra | A small, peaceful fish with a striking black and neon blue coloration. |
| Cardinal Tetra | A small, peaceful fish with vibrant red and neon blue coloration. |
| Otocinclus Catfish | Small, peaceful fish that are great at controlling algae growth in the tank. |
| Ghost Shrimp | Small, peaceful shrimp that are great at controlling algae growth. |
| Corydoras Catfish | Small, peaceful fish that are great at keeping the tank bottom clean. |
| Neon Rasbora | A small, peaceful fish with a vibrant neon coloration. |
| Endler’s Livebearer | A small, peaceful fish with vibrant coloration. |
| Bamboo Shrimp | Peaceful, large shrimp that helps keep the tank clean and makes a good addition to a community tank. |
| Harlequin Rasbora | A small, peaceful fish with a vibrant red and black coloration. |
| Panda Garra | A small, peaceful fish that have a unique black and white coloration. |
Diseases and Illnesses
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a hardy fish and is resistant to most common fish diseases, but it can still be affected by certain illnesses if the water conditions are not optimal. In this section, we will discuss the five most common illnesses and diseases found in the Celestial Pearl Danio and how to recognize and treat them.
Ich: Ich, also known as white spot disease, is one of the most common illnesses found in Celestial Pearl Danio. It is caused by a parasite that attaches itself to the fish’s skin and fins, causing small white spots to appear. These spots may also appear to be raised. Ich can be treated with a variety of medications, such as Hikari Ich-X.
Fin Rot: Fin rot is another common illness found in Celestial Pearl Danio. It is caused by a bacterial infection that causes the fins to deteriorate and turn red or black. Fin rot can also cause the fins to appear frayed or ragged. The best treatment for fin rot is to use a medication such as API FIN & BODY CURE.
Swim Bladder Disease: Swim bladder disease is a condition where the swim bladder, which controls the fish’s buoyancy, becomes damaged. This can cause the fish to have difficulty swimming or to swim at an angle. Swim bladder disease can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor water conditions or overfeeding. The best treatment for swim bladder disease is to improve water conditions and to reduce the amount of food given to the fish and medicate the tank with API Melafix.
Dropsy: Dropsy is a condition that causes the fish’s belly to become swollen and distended. It is caused by a bacterial infection, and it can also cause the scales to stick out. The best treatment for dropsy is to use a medication such as Kanaplex.
Hole in the Head Disease: Hole in the Head Disease, also known as Hexamita, is a condition that causes small holes to appear on the fish’s head. It is caused by a parasite and can also cause lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The best treatment for Hole in the Head Disease is to use a medication such as API General Cure.
History & Origin
The Celestial Pearl Danio, scientifically known as Celestichthys margaritatus, is a recently discovered species of freshwater fish that has captured the attention of the aquarium hobby community. It was first found in a small, plant-laden spring-fed pool in Myanmar in late September 2006. The fish is known for its stunning appearance, which is characterized by its deep midnight blue coloration and pearl-like spots on its body.
Initially, the fish was referred to as the “galaxy rasbora” or “fireworks rasbora” because of its resemblance to the rasbora fish. However, scientists have determined that the celestial pearl danio actually belongs to a new genus and is more closely related to the danionin family. In February 2007, Tyson R. Roberts of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute officially described the species and suggested the common name “celestial pearl danio” to reflect its familial relationship with the danios.
In the wild, the Celestial Pearl Danio is a micro predator, feeding on small crustaceans, insects, and worms. In the aquarium, they will accept most small live, frozen or dry foods. They are hardy and able to adapt to a wide range of water conditions, which makes them easy to keep in captivity.
Conclusion
The Celestial Pearl Danio is a fun to observe nano fish in the world of freshwater aquariums. With its sparkling scales and peaceful nature, it’s a joy to keep and watch. Not only is it a beautiful addition to your tank, but it’s also a hardy and easy-to-care-for fish that’s suitable for aquarists of all levels.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Celestial Pearl Danio and its unique beauty. This fish is sure to add some excitement to your tank and be a conversation starter. So, if you’re looking to add some sparkle to your tank, consider the Celestial Pearl Danio.
Useful Products for Celestial Pearl Danio Care
| Product Name | Category | Product Link | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluval Flex 15g Aquarium | Aquarium | View on Amazon | 15-gallon all-in-one aquarium with built-in filtration, lighting, and heating. Sleek design. |
| Aqueon 10g Tank | Aquarium | View on Amazon | Durable glass aquarium, available in various sizes 10 gallons and larger. |
| Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater | Heater | View on Amazon | Adjustable, submersible aquarium heater. Shatterproof. |
| Penn-Plax Cascade 100 Power Filter | Filter | View on Amazon | Power filter appropriate for aquariums up to 15 gallons. |
| Tetra Whisper Air Pump | Air Pump | View on Amazon | Quiet and efficient air pump for aquarium. |
| Pawfly 1.5 Inch Air Stone Disc | Air stone | View on Amazon | Air stone for fine mist bubbles and water movement. |
| Estes Company Malaysian Driftwood | Decor | View on Amazon | Natural malaysian driftwood that naturally reduces PH and is good for Celestial Pearl Danios. |
| Lifegard Aquatics Aquascaping Seiryu Stone | Decor | View on Amazon | Natural stones for aquarium decoration and pH balance. |
| Xtreme Aquatic Foods Nano Fish Food | Food | View on Amazon | High-protein commercial fish meal good for CPDs. |
| Fluval Bug Bites | Food | View on Amazon | Freeze-dried bloodworm food for Celestial Pearl Danios. |
| Python Aquarium Vacuum | Tool | View on Amazon | Easy-to-use vacuum for water changes, cleaning aquarium gravel and debris. |
| Java Moss | Plants | View on Amazon | Low-maintenance, hardy plant for aquarium. |
| Java Fern | Plants | View on Amazon | Low-maintenance, hardy plant for aquarium. |
| Anubias Plant | Plants | View on Amazon | Low-maintenance, hardy plant for aquarium. |
| Cryptocoryne Wendtii | Plants | View on Amazon | Low-maintenance, hardy plant for aquarium. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the scientific name for the Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: The scientific name for the Celestial Pearl Danio is Celestichthys margaritatus.
Q: What is the natural habitat of the Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: The natural habitat of the Celestial Pearl Danio is small tributaries and swamps that are characterized by a low pH and high tannin levels, near Hopong, east of Inle Lake in Myanmar.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a male and female Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: The easiest way to tell the difference between male and female is by looking at their fins. Male Celestial Pearl Danio have longer fins than females.
Q: What kind of filtration should I use in a breeding tank for Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: It is recommended to use a sponge filter to prevent the fry from getting sucked up, along with good filtration and water flow.
Q: What kind of food should I feed my Celestial Pearl Danio fry?
A: Feed the fry with very small live or frozen foods, such as infusoria, microworms, or baby brine shrimp.
Q: How big do Celestial Pearl Danio grow?
A: Celestial Pearl Danio typically grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5cm) in length.
Q: How long do Celestial Pearl Danio live?
A: Celestial Pearl Danio have a lifespan of about 3-5 years when kept in optimal conditions.
Q: How often should I perform water changes for my Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: It is recommended to perform a water change of 25-50% once a week for Celestial Pearl Danio.
Q: Are there any specific water additives that I should use for Celestial Pearl Danio?
A: No, there are no specific water additives that are required for Celestial Pearl Danio. However, it is important to maintain good water quality and use a water conditioner when performing water changes.
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