Species profile
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Peaceful
Moderate care
45 L minimum aquarium
2–2.5 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 10
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tiny, shy-to-confident shoaling danio best in a mature, densely planted aquarium with many conspecifics and gentle tankmates.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–24 °C
pH
7–8
GH
12–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 10
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.35
Males display and spar in planted areas but serious damage is unusual in a sufficiently large group with visual breaks.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
45 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Danio margaritatus
Alternative names
Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora, Celestichthys margaritatus
Native range
Myanmar and adjacent parts of northern Thailand.
Natural habitat
Shallow, clear, spring-fed pools and wetlands with dense submerged vegetation.
Diet & feeding
Feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton; use suitably small prepared foods plus small frozen/live fare.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are more intensely coloured and slimmer; mature females are paler and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Non-guarding egg scatterer; small numbers of eggs are deposited repeatedly among mosses or fine plants.