Celestichthys choprae

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The Glowlight danio, or Celestichthys choprae, is a small danionine native to Myanmar. Its slender body, amber highlights, and dark markings create a particularly luminous appearance under subdued lighting. This is a schooling fish that thrives in clean, well-oxygenated, slightly cool water. In an aquarium, it is generally peaceful and active, but its small size calls for calm tank mates. With a rarity rating of 2 out of 3, it is less common than the most widely available captive-bred danios, while still being accessible to aquarists who provide suitable conditions.

General species description

Celestichthys choprae is a small Asian cyprinid in the family Danionidae. It lives in schools and usually occupies the upper and middle levels of the aquarium, swimming actively without normally showing aggression. Its schooling nature is important: a group of at least 8 to 10 individuals allows more natural interactions and helps reduce nervousness. It appreciates efficient filtration, moderate current, and planted areas that provide visual shelter. Despite its relative hardiness, it does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature or water quality well. Its rarity level of 2, meaning fairly uncommon, can make availability less consistent than that of the Zebra Danio.

Geographical origin and biotope

Country of reference: Myanmar. The species is associated with the upper Irrawaddy drainage in the northern part of the country, particularly around the Nam Lang River system. Its habitat consists of small forest streams with clear to slightly amber water, good oxygenation, and noticeable flow. The bottom is generally made up of gravel, sand, and stones, sometimes covered by leaves or plant debris. Riparian vegetation provides shade and limits direct sunlight. In an aquarium, plants, roots, and a few stones can recreate this structure while leaving open areas for schooling activity.

Precise location and local name

Available records place Celestichthys choprae in northern Myanmar, within the upper Irrawaddy drainage and the Nam Lang River area. The common name used in the aquarium trade is Glowlight danio, also rendered as Danio Glowlight. This name refers to the warm tones visible on the body and fins. In practice, the scientific name remains the most precise way to identify the species, since trade names may vary between suppliers.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Celestichthys choprae is elongated, laterally compressed, and adapted for open-water swimming. Its base colour ranges from golden brown to orange, with dark bands and spots that create strong contrast. The fins may show yellow, orange, or reddish tones, especially in males in breeding condition. Females are often slightly deeper-bodied and rounder through the abdomen, while adult males appear slimmer and more colourful. Adult size remains small, reaching about 3.5 cm at most. This makes the species suitable for modest-sized planted aquariums, provided the tank offers enough front length for group swimming.

General diet

Celestichthys choprae is an omnivore with an insect-eating tendency. In the wild, its diet likely includes small invertebrates, zooplankton, and organisms drifting in the current. In aquaria, it accepts fine micro-pellets and crushed flake food, but variety helps maintain health and colour. Small frozen or live foods, such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and daphnia, can be offered as supplements. Feed small portions that the school can consume quickly, since the mouth is tiny. Several light feedings are preferable to one large feeding and help limit waste in the aquarium.

Essential data

• River of origin: Nam Lang River
• Local name used: Glowlight danio
• Origin of the scientific name: Celestichthys refers to the genus; choprae is an homage associated with the name Chopra.
• Full-name etymology: Celestichthys means heavenly fish; choprae refers to Chopra.
• Common/vernacular names: Glowlight danio, Danio Glowlight
• Family: Danionidae
• Subfamily: Danioninae
• Name pronunciation: seh-les-ti-kith-iss - krop-ray
• Discovery: Sven O. Kullander, 2010
• Maximum adult size: approximately 3.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: approximately 20 to 26 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: small, clear, shaded, well-oxygenated forest streams bordered by vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Celestichthys margaritatus, Microdevario kubotai, Boraras brigittae, Tanichthys micagemmae
• Temperament and behaviour: peaceful, active, and schooling
• Water depth: shallow to moderate in small streams
• Sexual dimorphism: female rounder; male slimmer and often more colourful
• Bottom structure and flow: sand, gravel, stones, and plant debris; moderate to brisk flow

For greater success

To keep Celestichthys choprae successfully, use a mature, covered aquarium with stable, well-filtered, well-oxygenated water that is soft to moderately mineralized. Keep it in a school and create a mix of plants, roots, and open swimming space. Fine foods offered in small portions support condition without polluting the water. Avoid large or boisterous fish that may intimidate it. Subdued lighting and a dark substrate highlight its golden reflections and natural schooling behaviour. Stable water parameters remain the foundation for long-term aquarium care.