CPD Gold Strain

The CPD Gold Strain is a captive-developed colour variety of Danio margaritatus, the Celestial Pearl Danio, in which the normal dark blue-black body has been replaced by a warm golden-yellow ground colour. The species' signature pearl-white spots and vivid red-orange fin stripes are retained and may actually appear more prominent against the lighter background.

In all other respects the Gold Strain shares the characteristics of the wild-type CPD: tiny size (under 2.5 cm), peaceful disposition, and a strong preference for heavily planted nano aquariums with clean, oxygen-rich water. A group of ten or more creates a visually spectacular display that contrasts beautifully with green plant material and dark substrate.

Care requirements are identical to those of the standard CPD. The gold colouration is genetically stable and will be passed to offspring when two gold strain individuals are bred together, though some offspring from gold × wild-type crosses may revert toward the standard dark phenotype.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; high water quality essential — perform regular 20–30% weekly water changes. Tank: Minimum 30 L nano planted tank with dense vegetation; dark substrate intensifies the gold body colour contrast. Feeding: Micro-pellets, crushed flake, and small frozen foods; live baby brine shrimp and cyclops bring out vivid fin colouration. Breeding: Egg-scatterer over fine mosses; remove adults post-spawning; fry require infusoria or commercial nano fry food initially. Compatibility: Peaceful with all nano species; pairs perfectly with wild-type CPD, Microdevario, nano shrimp, and Boraras rasboras.