Galaxy Rasbora / CPD

Description

Galaxy rasbora (*Danio margaritatus*), also known as celestial pearl danio, are small, colorful freshwater fish popular in the aquarium trade. Native to Myanmar, they thrive in specific conditions. Here’s a concise care guide:

### Tank Requirements
– **Size**: Minimum 10 gallons (20+ gallons ideal for a school).
– **Water Parameters**:
  – Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C).
  – pH: 6.5–7.5.
  – Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard).
– **Filtration**: Gentle flow; sponge or low-flow filters to avoid stressing fish.
– **Substrate**: Fine gravel or sand; mimics natural habitat.
– **Plants**: Dense vegetation (e.g., Java moss, Anubias, or Cryptocoryne) for cover.
– **Lighting**: Moderate; subdued lighting enhances colors and reduces stress.
– **Decor**: Driftwood, rocks, or leaf litter to replicate natural biotopes.

### Water Quality
– Perform 10–20% weekly water changes to maintain stability.
– Use dechlorinated water; avoid sudden parameter shifts.
– Test regularly for ammonia, nitrite (0 ppm), and nitrate (<20 ppm).

### Diet
– **Type**: Omnivorous; prefers small, high-quality foods.
– **Foods**:
  – Flake or micro-pellet foods (e.g., Hikari Micro Pellets).
  – Live/frozen foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, or microworms.
  – Occasional plant-based foods (e.g., spirulina flakes).
– **Feeding**: 1–2 times daily, only what they consume in 1–2 minutes.
– Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues.

### Behavior and Tankmates
– **Temperament**: Peaceful, shy; best in groups of 8–12+ for schooling.
– **Compatible Tankmates**:
  – Small, non-aggressive fish (e.g., ember tetras, kuhli loaches).
  – Shrimp (e.g., cherry shrimp) but make sure the shrimp are large adults, juveniles will get eaten.
– **Avoid**: Large, aggressive, or fin-nipping species (e.g., bettas, large barbs).
– Males may display mild territoriality; ample space reduces conflicts.

### Breeding
– **Setup**: Separate breeding tank with shallow water (6–8 inches), fine-leaved plants, or spawning mops.
– **Conditions**: Slightly warmer (78–80°F), soft, acidic water (pH 6.5).
– **Spawning**: Males court females; eggs scatter (non-adhesive). Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation.
– **Fry Care**: Eggs hatch in 2–3 days; fry free-swimming in 5–7 days. Feed infusoria or powdered fry food initially.

– Galaxy rasboras are sensitive to poor water quality and sudden changes.
– Their small size (0.8–1 inch) makes them unsuitable for tanks with strong currents or large fish.
– Regular tank maintenance and a varied diet enhance their longevity (3–5 years).