Fish
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus · also called galaxy rasbora
Barely the size of a fingernail yet scattered with golden spots against a navy-blue body like stars against a night sky, a celestial pearl danio was completely unknown to science until 2006, when its discovery set off one of the fastest rises to aquarium stardom of any small fish.
Overview
The celestial pearl danio, Danio margaritatus, is a tiny, recently discovered fish native to shallow ponds and pools within a restricted region of the Salween River basin in Myanmar. Its star-speckled navy-blue body, vivid orange-red fins, remarkably recent scientific discovery in 2006, and persistent mislabelling as a “galaxy rasbora” despite being a true danio make it one of the most historically notable small fish to enter the aquarium hobby in recent memory.
From unknown to ubiquitous in record time
Few aquarium fish have gone from complete scientific obscurity to global popularity as quickly as the celestial pearl danio, whose striking star-like pattern captured the attention of the aquarium trade almost immediately after its 2006 discovery.
Status
Least Concern, though naturally restricted to a narrow region of the Salween River basin, with large-scale captive breeding since its discovery substantially reducing pressure on wild populations.
Celestial Pearl Danio: common questions
Why is the celestial pearl danio sometimes called a galaxy rasbora?
This species is sometimes sold under the common name "galaxy rasbora" despite being a true danio rather than a rasbora, a naming mix-up that arose early in the aquarium trade and has persisted in parts of the hobby ever since, even though it is not scientifically accurate.
How long has the celestial pearl danio been known to science?
This species was unknown to science until its formal discovery and description in 2006, making it one of the more recently identified small fish to become popular in the aquarium hobby, with demand growing rapidly in the years immediately following its discovery.
How did the celestial pearl danio get its name?
This species has a deep navy-blue body scattered with small, golden-yellow spots resembling stars against a night sky, combined with vivid orange-red fins, a striking combination that gives rise to its evocative common name.
Is the celestial pearl danio suitable for a small aquarium?
Yes, this species rarely exceeds about 2 to 2.5 centimetres in length as a fully grown adult, making it well suited to smaller nano aquariums where a larger schooling fish would not have adequate space.