Danionins

Common Names: Celestial Pearl Danio, Galaxy Rasbora

Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus (formerly Microrasbora sp. Galaxy, Celestichthys margaritaus)

Availability: After a shaky start they are becoming more available worldwide.

Origin: First discovered in 2006 in a small area near Hopong east of Inle Lake in Myanmar, (formerly Burma).

Overview: Since it's introduction, this has been one busy little fish!  In 2006, it started out in the hobby as the Galaxy Rasbora (Microrasbora sp. Galaxy). In 2007, after further study, it was renamed as Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus). In 2008, after yet more scientific study, DNA testing placed the species in the genusDanio. It was then renamed once again as Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus).

Compatibility: Non-aggressive, actually quite timid. They should not be kept with any larger aggressive fish.

Feeding: Not a picky eater, they will eat almost anything offered. Unlike most of the other danios, they prefer food at mid to lower tank levels.

Sexing: The females are usually larger and more full. The males are usually very slim and slightly more colorful.

Breeding: While their spawning habits are different than other Danios, they are quite easy to breed. The major problem is preventing the adults from eating the eggs or the fry.