Tips on Feeding and Keeping Celestial Pearl Danios
The celestial pearl danio is a small freshwater fish native to Thailand and Myanmar. Even though its great popularity amongst ornamental fish keepers suggests otherwise, it was only discovered in 2006. Keeping celestial pearl danios is straightforward, which makes them good aquarium fish for beginners.
Celestial Pearl Danio Profile
- Scientific name: Danio margaritatus
- Origin: Thailand and Myanmar
- Size: 2 - 3 cm (0.7 – 1.2 inches)
- Life span: up to 3 years
- Aquarium minimum size: 60 litres
- Recommended water temperature: 20 - 25 °C (68 – 77 °F)
- Diet: omnivorous
Characteristics of the Celestial Pearl Danio
The celestial pearl danio usually reaches a length of 2 to 2.5 centimetres. Occasionally the fish can grow up to three centimetres. Celestial pearl danios have an elongated body that is flattened on the sides. Their belly is orange-red and the scales on their dark flanks show many yellow-gold spots.
Male specimens have a more intense colouration than their female counterparts. They can also be differentiated by their red anal fins with black stripes. In female animals, these are transparent and at most have a reddish colour at the base.
Life Expectancy of the Celestial Pearl Danio
Celestial pearl danios can live up to three years if they are kept in good conditions and are fed appropriately.
Origin of the Celestial Pearl Danio
The celestial pearl danio was first spotted in Inle Lake in Myanmar in 2006. At first it was assumed that the small fish only occur there. It is now known, however, that they are also native to Thailand and other regions of Myanmar.
The small freshwater fish soon delighted a growing number of aquarists. This meant that the stocks declined quickly and at times only a few specimens could be caught.
Keeping Celestial Pearl Danios
The celestial pearl danio is a popular aquarium fish. It is considered to be easy to care for and is therefore also suitable for beginners. The aquarium water should have a temperature between 20 and 25 ° C and the pH level should be 6.5 to 7.5. The capacity of the aquarium should be at least 60 litres in order to offer sufficient space for the small fish.
Setting up a Fish Tank for Celestial Pearl Danios
When setting up the aquarium, it is important to make sure that the celestial pearl danios have enough space to swim in. At the same time, however, the small fish also appreciate opportunities to hide. In order to guarantee the latter, it is advisable to provide the areas at the edge of the tank with dense planting. In addition, some floating plants should be placed in the aquarium to reduce the lighting for the fish.
Socialising Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios are schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least 10. If this number is not reached, they have a tendency to behave shyly and will hide a lot.
The peaceful fish can be socialized with snails and shrimps, among others. The lively fish also get along well with other small danios and barbels.
Breeding Celestial Pearl Danios
The celestial pearl danio is a free-spawner that reproduces quite easily, provided it is supplied with suitable high-quality food. The breeding tank can hold one or more pairs. In order for the female fish to spawn, it is necessary that the tank is densely planted with delicate aquatic plants.
Since celestial pearl danios are spawning predators, the parents should be returned to the regular aquarium as soon as they spawn. Otherwise, it is likely that they will eat their offspring.
Celestial Pearl Danio Diseases
Celestial pearl danios are easy to keep and not overly prone to fish diseases. Of course, that doesn't mean that they can't get sick at all. Inadequate water quality and low quality food in particular can significantly increase the risk of disease.
Fin rot is one of the possible diseases in celestial pearl danios. Fish tuberculosis and fungal infections can also occur, just to mention a few. Whether and how affected animals can be treated depends on the respective disease. It is often necessary to move the sick fish to a quarantine tank in order to protect the remaining fish stock in the main tank from infection.
Celestial Pearl Danio Diet
Celestial pearl danios are omnivores. The fish are not overly picky about their food as long as it fits in their small mouth. They particularly like to eat live food, but they also easily accept high-quality dry food.
Regardless of this, it is important to consider that celestial pearl danios eat almost exclusively food that is in the middle layer of the water. They mostly ignore food on the surface of the water and at the bottom of the tank. The fish should therefore be given small amounts of food on a regular basis.
Aquaris Fish Food for Celestial Pearl Danios
Fish food from Aquaris is the right choice when it comes to feeding your celestial pearl danios. In our range you will find, for example, Aquaris Flakes and Tropical Granulate, both very high-quality dry food for ornamental fish.
Aquaris fish food consists of carefully selected raw materials and is characterised by perfectly developed recipes. You can therefore rest assured that you will optimally supply your aquarium inhabitants such as celestial pear danios with all essential nutrients. In addition, the food is easy to digest, so that the water quality is not unnecessarily impaired by the excretions of the fish.