CPD Wild Type

The Wild Type CPD represents Danio margaritatus in its natural phenotypic form: a dark blue-black body densely covered in pearl-white spots that resembles a galaxy of stars, with brilliant red-orange fin striping that is most vivid in males. Since the species' discovery and description in 2006, farm-raised wild-type stock has become the standard in the hobby, offering fish with genetics close to the original collected specimens.

Wild-type individuals often show stronger colouration than some colour-strain varieties, as the dark body maximises the contrast of the white spots and red fins. In a well-planted nano aquarium with dark substrate and good lighting, a school of wild-type CPDs creates a visual impact disproportionate to the fish's tiny 2.5 cm size.

This form is recommended for breeders wishing to maintain the species in its natural state or for aquascapers seeking authentic colour impact in planted nano displays.

Water: Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; excellent water quality through regular changes is the single most important husbandry factor. Tank: Minimum 30 L; heavy planting with mosses and fine-leaved plants; dark substrate maximises visual impact of the white-spot pattern. Feeding: Micro-pellets, frozen cyclops and daphnia, live baby brine shrimp; a varied diet maintains peak colour and reproductive condition. Breeding: Egg-scatterer over moss; ratio of one male to two or three females reduces male harassment; fry require infusoria as first food. Compatibility: Peaceful with all nano species; best with similar-sized companions; large or boisterous fish will stress and outcompete this tiny species.