Celestial Pearl Danio / Galaxy Rasbora (Danio margaritatus)
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), also commonly known as the Galaxy Rasbora, is a stunning nano freshwater fish prized for its pearl-like spotting, vibrant red-orange fins, and deep blue to dark metallic body. Despite its common name, the Galaxy Rasbora is actually a species of danio and is one of the most popular nano fish for planted and aquascaped aquariums.
🌌 Stunning Galaxy-Like Coloration
Celestial Pearl Danios feature a dark blue, gray, or metallic body covered in numerous small cream-to-pearl-colored spots, creating their signature starry or galaxy-like appearance. Their fins display striking red to orange coloration with contrasting dark bands. Mature males generally develop deeper body coloration and brighter red-orange fins, while females tend to have a slightly fuller body and more subdued coloration.
Appearance & Traits
- 🌌 Orange covered in pearl-like spots
- 🔴 Vibrant red-orange fins with contrasting dark markings
- 🐟 Small adult size of approximately 0.75–1 inch
- 🌿 Excellent choice for planted and nano aquariums
- 💙 Peaceful temperament and beautiful schooling behavior
Packaging & Sexual Dimorphism
All Celestial Pearl Danios are unsexed unless otherwise specified. Mature males typically display more intense coloration, slimmer bodies, and brighter red-orange fins. Females are generally slightly larger and rounder through the abdomen, with somewhat softer coloration. Juvenile fish may be difficult to accurately sex.
Care & Tank Setup
Minimum tank size: 5 gallons, with 10+ gallons recommended for larger groups
Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filtration is recommended
- Temperature: 68–76°F (20–24°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 4–12 dGH
- KH: 1–6 dKH
- TDS: approximately 100–250 ppm
Celestial Pearl Danios thrive in heavily planted aquariums with plenty of cover, including mosses, stem plants, floating plants, rocks, and driftwood. Although peaceful, they can be shy when kept in small numbers. We recommend keeping them in groups of at least 6, with 8–12+ preferred for more natural behavior and increased confidence.
They make excellent community fish when housed with other peaceful nano species and freshwater shrimp. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or highly competitive tankmates.
Diet
Celestial Pearl Danios are omnivorous micropredators and should be offered a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, and small live or frozen foods. Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other appropriately sized foods are excellent choices for encouraging vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.
Lifespan & Breeding
With proper care, Celestial Pearl Danios can live approximately 3–5 years. They are egg-scattering fish and may breed readily in mature planted aquariums. Adults typically scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or moss. Because adults may consume eggs and newly hatched fry, a dedicated breeding setup is recommended when maximizing fry survival.
📦 Live Arrival Guarantee
All live fish are guaranteed to arrive healthy and active. In the rare event of a DOA (Dead on Arrival):
- 📸 Provide clear photos/videos of the unopened bag and deceased fish
- ⏰ Report the DOA within 1 hour of delivery
- ⚠️ Replacement or refund options are available in accordance with our DOA policy; shipping fees are non-refundable
We take great care when packing and shipping our livestock. Please review our full Live Arrival Guarantee and shipping policies before ordering.
🚚 Shipping Schedule
- Live fish are generally shipped early in the week to help minimize weekend delays
- Insulated packaging and temperature-control packs may be used when appropriate
- Shipping may be held or adjusted during extreme weather conditions for the safety of the livestock
⚠️ Note
Always ensure your aquarium is fully cycled and test your water parameters before introducing new fish. Slowly acclimate your Celestial Pearl Danios to their new aquarium and avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry. Individual fish may vary naturally in size, coloration, pattern, and fin intensity based on age, sex, genetics, and environmental conditions.
