a very active swimmer, and is not a true shoaling fish, meaning it does not require large numbers of conspecifics for its well-being. In a small tank, a group of six individuals—half males, half females—will do well and exhibit natural behavior. They tend to be rather stationary, hovering in a peculiar position in favorite spots; males and females tend to keep separate when at rest. Altogether, their behavior again resembles Danio erythromicron more than other fish. Tanks for the celestial pearl danio should be well-planted and direct daylight may be favorable (the natural habitat is so shallow as to be well lit throughout). Water weed and similar plants should be abundant, and stones and wood to create hiding spots should be provided. It is advisable to supply the fish with a spawning mop or a dense growth of suitable plants (java moss has been successfully used). A dense tangle of natural plants for spawning has the additional advantage of harboring protists on which the fry feed initially. The celestial pearl danio seems overall quite peaceful, though some fin-nipping occurs. Consequently, it cannot be kept with large or "bully" fish. Small, swarming danionins which require similar water conditions would be a natural choice for company, as such more active species provide nice contrast behaviorally and, being available in a wide range of colors and patterns, also make it possible to choose fish that complement the brilliant colors of D. margaritatus. Many danionins prefer slightly acidic water, however, and maintaining the rather high pH found across the Inle basin seems a necessary condition to keep fish from there successfully. References (2006): The next big thing: Microrasbora sp. Galaxy. Pract. Fishkeeping Version of September 9, 2006. Retrieved August 12, 2012. (2007a): Galaxy rasbora under threat. Pract. Fishkeeping Version of February 5, 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2012. (2007b): Galaxy rasbora placed in new genus. Pract. Fishkeeping Version of February 28, 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2012. (2007c): New populations of Celestichthys discovered. Pract. Fishkeeping Version of June 5, 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2012. (2007): The Celestial Pearl Danio: A Cautionary Tale Tropical Fish Magazine Published July 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2012. : Home Sweet Home: History and Habitat of the Celestial Pearl Danio Retrieved August 12, 2012. (forum): Celestial Pearl Danio Information and Breeding forum. Retrieved August 12, 2012. External links Danio margaritatus Danio margaritatus on the Aquarium Wiki Encyclopaedia Endangered fish Fishkeeping Danio Fish