CPD Longfin Strain

The CPD Longfin Strain is a selectively bred variety of Danio margaritatus in which all fins are significantly elongated compared to the wild type, creating an elegant, flowing appearance particularly visible in males during display. The signature dark body, white pearl spots, and red-orange fin banding of the Celestial Pearl Danio are fully retained and arguably enhanced by the extended finnage.

Males of this strain are especially impressive, fanning their long fins during courtship and territorial interactions in a display reminiscent of Betta splendens. Unlike bettas, however, CPD Longfin males do not seriously injure one another, though keeping multiple males in a small tank may lead to persistent chasing. A group with a higher female ratio is recommended.

Care is identical to the standard CPD. Longfin individuals should be housed with calm, non-fin-nipping tankmates to preserve the integrity of their extended fins over time.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, clean and well-oxygenated; avoid strong currents that may stress longfin individuals. Tank: Minimum 30 L; dense planting with moss and fine-leaved plants; gentle sponge or HMF filtration recommended. Feeding: Micro-pellets and small frozen foods; live baby brine shrimp and micro-worm promote fin health and intense colouration. Breeding: Follows standard CPD egg-scattering behaviour; longfin trait is heritable and expressed in offspring when both parents carry the gene. Compatibility: Peaceful; avoid fin-nipping species; ideal tankmates are nano shrimp, small snails, Microdevario, and CPD wild-type.