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Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus)

Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus)

The Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus) is often incorrectly referred to as the Galaxy Rasbora by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Since its discovery in 2006 in a small, high altitude area of Myanmar, east of Lake Inndi, it has become an instant hit with tropical fish keeping enthusiasts throughout the world.

Unfortunately, the demand for Celestichthys margaritatus has become so great that their environment has been devastated by over collecting, and the fish is considered rare in many areas.

Celestial Pearl Danios are richly colored and have striking markings that make it a highly sought after aquarium fish. The deep metallic blue body of the Celestial Pearl Danio is adorned with iridescent, jewel like spots and they have bright bands of orange color on their fins that add a breathtaking contrast to this majestic little fish.

Male Celestial Pearl Danios are more brightly colored and have a more streamlined body than females. The anal fin of the male is noticeably more orange and will have a black band. Females are more subdued in their overall coloration and have rounder bodies.

Celestial Pearl Danios are shoaling fish that in an aquarium environment should be kept in groups of at least 6 or more specimens. They are a peaceful species that get along well with other small peaceful fish, and although they prefer soft, acidic water, they adapt easily to a wide range of water conditions.

Celestial Pearl Danios do best in a densely planted aquarium aquascaped with rocks, driftwood, and a sandy or fine gravel bottom. They need plenty of swimming room but should be provided with ample plant cover for them to hide.

Fortunately the Celestial Pearl Danio has been captive bread and is relatively easy to breed. Being an egg scatterer, they need a well planted tank with subdued lighting and soft acidic water. The parents should be removed after spawning.  The fry can be fed fine pieces of live foods or finely crushed flake food.

Adults are omnivorous, easy to feed, and should be provided a mixed diet of a quality flake food, algae wafers, along with live, frozen, or freeze dried daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex.

Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus)

Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73-79° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size: 1″
Color Form: Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Myanmar, India
Family: Cyprinidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Posted in Danios and Minnows, Featured Articles, Freshwater Fish, Tropical Fish KeepingComments (1)


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