Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestial Pearl Danios (CPDs), initially called Galaxy Rasboras, are native to eastern Myanmar (Burma) and northern Thailand at high altitude (3500 feet above sea level). They inhabit shallow, spring-fed ponds and marshes with densely vegetated slow-moving water, surrounded by grasslands and rice paddies. CPDs are hardy, peaceful, schooling fish and their small size makes them good candidates for nano tanks. They can be shy and prone to stress in small numbers, preferring groups of six or more. Celestichthys means heavenly fish and margaritatus means adorned with pearls, and they are visually stunning.
- Scientific name: Celestichthys Margaritatus or Danio Margaritatus
- Size: 1 to 1.25 inches
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
- Water parameters:
- pH range: 6.2 to 7.8
- Temperature range: 68F to 78F
- Water hardness: 2 to 10 dGH (36-179 ppm), 2 to 10 dKH (36-179 ppm)
- Stability, consistency more important than chasing any "perfect" numbers
- Diet: Omnivorous, flake food, dried or frozen baby brine shrimp or daphnia, well-rounded diet enhances health and colors, do not feed on algae
- Breeding: Female scatters eggs over mossy areas (eg., Java moss), then male fertilizes
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish, like to be in groups, but plenty of hiding places in hardscape and plants are desirable
- Water flow: Coming from moving waters, they like gentle yet thorough water flow, well oxygenated but not turbulent
- Filtration: They like clean water with proper balance of nutrients, oxygen, CO2, moderate light, like most aquatic plants, weekly 25% water changes, monitor water conditions regularly