Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
38 Litres (10 US G.)
2-2.5cm (0.8-1 ")
Freshwater
5.7 - 8
20 -26 °C (68-78.8°F)
8-12 °d
1:3 M:F
3-5 years
Family
Cyprinidae
This animal is available captive bred
Contents
Additional names
- Galaxy Rasbora, Fireworks Rasbora, Chilli Rasbora, Celestial Pearl Danio
Additional scientific names
- Microrasbora sp. "Galaxy", Rasbora toei, Celestichthys margaritatus
Origin
- Asia: Myanmar
Sexing
- Males have brighter colours and the male develops slightly dark markings on their barbels. Females have less intense colouration and virtually clear ventral and caudal fins.
Breeding
Early rumors that Danio Margaritatus is nearing extinction in the wild due to collection for the aquarium trade proved false. Nevertheless, the rumor persists and keeps prices high. This species is adaptable to captive breeding and tank raised specimens are sometimes available. Danio margaritatus are egglayers, utilising a breeding mop or vegetation (such as java moss). The adults will eat any eggs or fry they find. The eggs are only slightly adhesive so are not guaranteed to stick to the moss or breeding mop when removed to a fry tank.
Tank compatibility
- Species tank only, mainly due to their size. Will happily thrive in a well planted small tank. Can be kept with similar sized fish such as Otocinclus, and the smaller Rasboras.
Diet
- Mostly seem to prefer small live food such as daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Will also take small pellets or crumbled flakes.
Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics
- These fish do well in densely planted mature tanks.
Behaviour
- Males can get in scuffles with each other, therefore keep in large enough mixed groups of male/females of 6 or more to spread this aggression.
Identification
- Striking tiny fish, with dark blue flanks covered in tiny yellow spots. Their belly is lighter in colour and their fins are striped with orange and black bands.
Pictures
Celestial Pearl Danio
Videos
| Two males sizing each other up | Young Galaxies curious about the camera |
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
- Practical Fishkeeping - profile and care 9.11.06
- Practical Fishkeeping - article on renaming 21.1.08
- Danio margaritatus images and their eggs
- Wikipedia on Danio margaritatus
- The "Celestial pearl danio - A new genus and species of colourful minute cyprinid fish from Myanmar (Pisces: Cypriniformes). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology: Roberts, Tyson R. (2007)
- Connect Fish Frineds
