Product Details

Galaxy Rasbora – Danio margaritatus

The Galaxy Rasbora is a tiny, beautifully patterned danio with pearly white body spots, bright orange-red fins and an active but shy nature. Also sold as the Celestial Pearl Danio, CPD, Galaxy Danio or under the older name Celestichthys margaritatus, this peaceful nano fish is ideal for mature planted aquariums with gentle flow, fine plant cover and calm tank mates. It is small, colourful and highly attractive, but it should be kept in a proper group and should not be placed with large or boisterous fish.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Galaxy Rasbora
Other Names: Celestial Pearl Danio, CPD, Galaxy Danio, Celestial Pearl Rasbora
Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
Older / Trade Name: Celestichthys margaritatus, Galaxy Rasbora
Fish Type: Danio / Nano Shoaling Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Danio margaritatus is native to Myanmar, where it was originally discovered in shallow, spring-fed ponds with clear water and dense aquatic vegetation. These habitats are usually shallow, calm and heavily planted, with open grassland around the water and plenty of shelter among submerged plants.

In the aquarium, Galaxy Rasboras do best in mature planted setups with moss, fine-leaved plants, floating cover, gentle filtration and plenty of broken lines of sight. A darker substrate and plant-filled layout help them feel secure and show stronger colour.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Galaxy Rasboras have a compact body with a dark blue, grey or olive base colour covered in small pearly white spots. The fins are usually orange-red with darker markings, and males are typically slimmer, brighter and more strongly coloured than females.

Females are usually rounder-bodied and slightly less vivid, especially outside breeding condition. Adults usually reach around 2–2.5 cm, making them one of the most popular small planted aquarium fish.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to nano aquariums, planted community tanks and peaceful species displays. It is especially effective in aquascapes with moss, carpeting plants, fine stems and shaded resting areas.

Galaxy Rasboras are not suitable for aggressive communities, large predators or fast-feeding fish that may outcompete them. They can be shy in bare aquariums, so cover is important. They are best kept in stable, mature tanks rather than brand-new setups.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 40–60 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 45–60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger groups and mixed peaceful communities.

Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred where space allows. A larger group improves confidence, reduces stress and encourages natural display behaviour between males.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 20–25°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Galaxy Rasboras prefer clean, stable water with gentle flow and good plant cover. They are best kept cooler than many warm tropical species and should not be maintained long term in very hot aquariums. Avoid unstable new tanks, poor water quality, strong current and bare layouts with no shelter.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Galaxy Rasboras are peaceful, but males may display, spar and chase lightly within the group. This is normal and is usually harmless when the group is large enough and the aquarium has plenty of plants and visual barriers.

Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, tiny peaceful tetras, small ricefish, pygmy cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, peaceful shrimp in planted tanks and other calm nano fish. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, boisterous barbs and very fast-feeding fish.

Feeding:

Galaxy Rasboras are small omnivores and micropredators. Offer very fine flakes, micro pellets, powdered foods and tiny slow-sinking foods as the staple diet.

Supplement with suitably sized frozen or live foods such as cyclops, daphnia, baby brineshrimp, microworms and finely chopped bloodworm. Their mouths are very small, so food must be appropriately sized. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and breeding activity.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a peaceful midwater to lower-midwater shoaling fish that spends much of its time among plants and open gaps in the aquascape. Males often display to females and rival males by spreading their fins, intensifying colour and circling each other.

Breeding can occur in mature planted aquariums. Eggs are scattered among moss, fine plants or spawning mops, and adults may eat eggs or fry. Dense planting can allow some fry to survive naturally, but separate breeding arrangements are best if you want to raise larger numbers.

Care Notes:

Add Galaxy Rasboras only to a mature, stable aquarium with calm tank mates. Provide dense plants, moss, shaded areas and gentle filtration.

They are hardy once settled, but they can become shy or stressed in small numbers, bare tanks or busy communities. Keep temperatures moderate, feed fine foods and avoid rough tank mates. A secure lid is recommended, as small active fish may jump when startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually captive-bred or commercially farmed

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.