Rasbora Galaxy

• Scientific name:  Danio margaritatus, formerly Celestichthys margaritatus
• Common Name:  Rasbora Galaxy, Microrasbora Galaxy, Celestial Pearl Danio
• Aquarium size:  Minimum 30 liters
• Temperament: Calm
• Temperature:  Between 22º and 28ºC
• pH: Between 6 and 7.5
• Diet: Omnivores
• Length:  Between 1 and 1.5 centimeters

Description

The Rasbora galaxy fish or microrasbora galaxy which is scientifically known as Danio Margaritatus, is a fish that belongs to the Cyprinidae ( cyprinidae ) family. Its name is due to the fact that its skin has an attractive design that resembles stars in a distant galaxy.
It is an endemic species of Inle Lake, in Myanmar (formerly Burma). This is a lake destined for cattle pastures, it is located 884 meters high and is between 2.10 and 3.6 meters deep. It has several channels with gates that are used for irrigation and water for livestock.
The Rasbora Galaxy is a relatively new species, since it was only discovered in mid-2006,which makes it a recent species in the aquarium. His discovery was published in the English magazine «Practical Fishkeeping» and quickly became a sensation in the United States and Europe.

Danio Margaritatus In danger of extinction?

Such was the impact of their commercial success that the same magazine that announced their discovery published in May 2007 that «… they face the threat of being eliminated by the aquarium hobbyist . » The damage to their habitat was such that the Myanmar government banned their trade at that time.
However, it was fortunate that its habitat was ignored by collectors and they had not realized that it was a fish of the Danio species , which are very easy to breed. And the Rasbora Galaxy is no exception, and there are already many successful captive breeding experiences.
Nowadays, being able to have them in aquariums is simpler, but the greed of some almost leads to their extinction.

Morphology

These are the main physical and morphological characteristics of Danio Margaritatus:

• Size: It has small dimensions, it is elongated and ellipsoidal in shape, and reaches a maximum length of 1.5 centimeters in adulthood.
• Head: It is flat on the sides, and the body of the fish is short and plump.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are very symmetrical, being somewhat set back on the body. They are transparent, with orange horizontal stripes, crossed by other narrower stripes, black and blue
• Color: The body is metallic blue, which is dotted with white or yellow spots, like a starry sky. Colors vary in intensity based on your mood, light intensity, and water quality.

Sexual Dimorphism

It is very easy to differentiate the sex when they are in good health.

• Females tend to be slightly larger than males and have a more rounded body shape, especially when they go to spawn, as they have a more domed belly, have a blue-green color , and the body spots are colored cream to golden and does not extend into the front of the abdomen.
• The males have more intense colors, with the body color being a deep metallic blue, the bands and stripes are a very intense reddish orange. The spots on the body are nacre white.
• Males have reddish pelvic fins with two black stripes , while females may have one black stripe, but not two as in the case of males.

Distribution and habitat

They are endemic to Inle Lake located in Shan State, in northern Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Aquarium conditions

Due to its small size, it can be quietly in a small aquarium or nano aquarium , as long as we keep the Rasbora Galaxy away from larger fish that can see it as prey.
The experiences of breeders and lovers of aquarium fish indicate that they prefer well oxygenated waters or with current , in well planted aquariums .
The ideal aquarium should have a minimum capacity of 50 liters, although they can live alone in a 20 liter aquarium . It is recommended at least 30 liters to place a school of 10 specimens, as well as an aquarium with many plants so that they can hide, since they are usually shy and skittish.
The water parameters should be as follows:

• Temperature from 22 to 28 ° C
• pH: 6 to 7.5
• gH: 3rd-6th

Aquariums by size

• Small aquariums
• 10 liter aquariums
• 20 liter aquariums
• 30 liter aquariums
• 40 liter aquariums
• 50 liter aquariums
• 60 liter aquariums
• 80 liter aquariums
• 100 liter aquariums

Aquarium type

• Complete aquarium kits
• Nano aquariums
• Prawns
• Aquariums for Bettas
• Tortugueros
• Aquariums for kids
• Farrowing
• Cheap aquariums

Trademarks

• AquaLed
• Tetra

Diet

It is an omnivorous fish and in its habitat it mainly feeds on small invertebrates, algae and zooplankton.
If you are in an aquarium you can eat dry small fish food flakes or flakes.
Small live animals such as daphnia, newly hatched brine shrimp and oat microworms also serve as food.

Everything you need to maintain your aquarium

• Best digital pH meter
• Best Aquarium Test
• Best anti-algae
• Best bacteria for aquarium
• Best siphoner for aquarium
• Best Aquarium Water Clarifiers
• Best reverse osmosis filters for aquarium
• Best UV lamps for aquariums

Behavior and compatibility

It is a very peaceful, active and somewhat scary fish. It lives in schools, so if it is kept in aquariums, the ideal is to have a minimum of 6 specimens and a maximum of 10 , depending on the size of the aquarium. Males can be a bit territorial with each other during spawning.
Their best companions are usually aquarium prawns, small snails, American cichlids, and small fish.

Galaxy rasbora compatible fish

Compatible fish without restrictions

• Ax fish
• Zebra fish
• Snail Apple
• Platy
• Neon Tetra
• Little nun
• Harlequin fish
• Female betta
• Molly
• Boraras

Compatible fish without restrictions

• Ancistrus
• Barbel Cherry
• Kribensis
• Guppy 
• Corydora
• Tiger Barbel
• Chinese Neon
• Ax fish
• Otocinclus
• Guppy endler
• Drunk

Restricted Compatible Fish

• Killis
• Male betta
• Ramirezi
• Eat Siamese seaweed
• Disk
• Rainbow

Reproduction

It is preferable that in the breeding aquarium there are more females than males to reduce fighting and stress, preferably with a lot of vegetation or java moss for spawning. The ideal ratio is 1 male for every 3 females.
After spawning, it is advisable to remove the vegetation and moss with the eggs to an aquarium-farrowing , prepared for this function.