Celestial fishes are popular nano fishes. As they require plants in the
tank, the coloration of the fishes gives a good look to the tank. Hence
they are a good choice for fish hobbyists
Why need a beginner’s guide for Celestial pearl fish? Celestial pearl fish is gaining popularity among planted aquarium hobbyists and it is essential to know the basics to upkeep these stunning beautiful planted tank fishes
Celestial Pearl Fish – Overview
Category | Description |
---|---|
Common Name | Galaxy Rasbora |
Scientific Name | Danio margaritatus |
Habitat or Origin | They originate from South east Asia – Myanmar |
Average Size | They grow up to one inch in size. |
Coloration | The body of the fish is blue and have white spots that look like pearl and fins are red-colored |
Life Span | On average, they live up to 3 to 5 years |
Diet | They can diet on pellets and flakes. Sometimes they can be given white worms, krill, Grindal Worms, brine shrimp |
Gender Identification | The males are brighter but smaller in size whereas the females are duller and rounder than males. |
Behavior | They are peaceful fishes. However, males do not get along with each other. They tend to be explorative in groups. Later when they become comfortable in the tank, they are happy themselves |
Compatibility | They are small fishes hence cannot be accompanied by larger fishes as there is a danger of being eaten up. Hence smaller and other peace-loving fishes like Guppies, Killifish, Corydoras, Tetras can be good tank mates. Females can be together but male fishes are not compatible with each other. |
Ideal Tank Conditions | The tank should be freshwater. Plenty of plants and rocks in the the aquarium is advisable as it resembles their natural habitat. The size of the aquarium can be 10 gallons in minimum as these are small fishes. Shallow tanks can give them more comfort. |
Water Parameters | The temperature could be around 73-78 degree F. pH level can be between 6.5-7.5 |
Breeding | The female becomes rounder when they are ready to lay eggs. They lay about 30 eggs at a time. It takes 2-4 days to incubate. But the eggs should be kept away, preferably in the breeding tank as the males tend to eat the eggs. |
Common Diseases | Fin rot can happen due to fishes fighting or poor water quality |
Approximate Cost | They cost an average of 8 USD to 10 USD depending on the size and in southeast Asia/India they cost almost 1/3rd of the price |
What to look when buying | Check if the fins are proper without damage |
Species in the Market | Yellow danio fish, blue danio fish |
Gallery of Celestial pearl fish
References
- Vishwanath, W. (2012). “Danio margaritatus“. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T168409A1186232. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T168409A1186232.en.
- Roberts, Tyson R. (February 2007). “The “celectial pearl danio”, a new genus and species of colourful minute Cyprinid fish from Myanmar (Pisces: Cypriniformes)”(PDF). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 55 (1): 131–140.
- Conway, Kevin W.; Chen, Wei-Jen; Mayden, Richard L. (2008). “The “Celestial Pearl danio” is a miniature Danio (s.s) (Ostariophysi: Cyprin- idae): evidence from morphology and molecules” (PDF)
- Fang, F.; Norén, M.; Liao, T. Y.; Källersjö, M.; Kullander, S. O. (2009). “Molecular phylogenetic interrelationships of the south Asian cyprinid genera Danio, Devario, and Microrasbora (Teleostei, Cyprinidae, Danioninae)”. Zoologica Scripta. 38 (3) 10.1111/j.1463-6409.2008.00373.x