Celestial Pearl Danio

Danio margaritatus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinidae

📍 Small ponds, Shan plateau, Myanmar

Discovered in Myanmar in 2006, the celestial pearl danio features a dark body scattered with gold spots and vivid red-orange fins. It prefers densely planted tanks with subdued lighting and thrives in groups where males display to one another.

Size1"

Min Tank10g

School8+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Celestial pearl danios are omnivores requiring small, high-quality micro pellets as a staple, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and micro worms. Feed small portions once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding fouls water quality in their small tank.

Behavior

These peaceful, active fish are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 8 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. Males display vibrant colors and engage in harmless sparring with one another; they occupy the mid-water column and are most active in densely planted tanks with subdued lighting that mimics their natural shaded habitat.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely occurs in community tanks. They are egg-scatterers that require very fine-leaved plants (such as Java moss) for egg adhesion, soft acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5), and temperatures around 24–25°C; fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food.

Tank Mates

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements; compatible schooling behavior

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, peaceful invertebrates that thrive in soft, acidic water; minimal predation risk due to shrimp size and danio temperament

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical soft-water preferences; helps maintain tank cleanliness without competing for food or space

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, peaceful fish with matching water requirements and mid-water swimming zone; excellent nano tank companion

excellent

Java Moss

Essential plant providing shelter, breeding substrate, and natural food sources; creates the subdued, planted environment they prefer

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against plants

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–29°C over 24 hours, maintain for 7–10 days; use quality aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or ich-specific medication; perform 25% water changes every 2–3 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed, discolored, or deteriorating fins; fin edges appear white or black

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline); isolate if severe

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of appetite, color fading, bloating

Treatment

Increase water changes to 25–50% every 2–3 days, maintain pristine water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; quarantine severely affected fish

Stress-Related Illness

Symptoms

Hiding, pale coloration, loss of appetite, erratic swimming, susceptibility to secondary infections

Treatment

Ensure group size is at least 8 individuals, provide dense vegetation and low lighting, maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–26°C), minimize tank disturbances