Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Turquoise Danio

Danio kerri

Also called Blue danio, Kerr's danio

SpeciesShort profile

From Southwestern Thailand and northwestern Malaysia: islands and mainland of the Andaman coast including Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Ko Yao Yai and Langkawi; clear rocky forest streams1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length4.5 to 5 cm1 2

Sizesmall

Seriously Fish gives 4.5 cm SL and FishBase 5 cm TL

Very peaceful

Soft blue colouring

Active schooler

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Deep-bodied, scaled cyprinid

A relatively deep-bodied danio with a soft powder-blue side crossed by thin pinkish-gold lines running from the gill cover to the tail. Fish from the south of the range lean more yellowish. Females are slightly larger and rounder than males.1 3

Colourspowder blueturquoisepinkish-gold stripesyellowish (southern populations)1 3

Personality what they are like

Gentle and sociable, it makes an ideal member of a well-furnished community aquarium and is more confident in a group.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active schooling fish that needs open swimming space as well as planted areas.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular partial water changes keep it in good condition. It can jump, so keep the tank covered.1

Home where they are happiest

A tank with a base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres). Temperature 18-26 °C (FishBase 23-25 °C), pH 6.5-7.5, hardness 2-12 °H. Gravel, rocks and some plants suit it well.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly an insect eater in the wild. Offer good dried food with small live or frozen extras such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.1

Company who they like around

Keep at least 8-10 together. Good tankmates are tetras, livebearers, rainbowfish and other small peaceful cyprinids.1

The story where it all began

The first specimen was collected on Ko Yao Yai in 1929 by the botanist A.F.G. Kerr, and Hugh M. Smith described the species in 1931, naming it in his honour.3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is named after A.F.G. Kerr, who collected the first specimen in 1929.3
2
It often spawns at first light, scattering eggs over coarse gravel.3
3
Its base colour shifts from powder blue in the north of its range to yellowish in the south.1
4
It is not often seen in shops, which makes it a nice find for danio fans.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (March 2011)2
FishBase: Described by Smith in 1931; listed as an aquarium species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Turquoise Danio. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Turquoise Danio?

Feed your Turquoise Danio small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily. Offer only what they can eat in a couple of minutes to keep the water clean.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Turquoise Danio eat, and what should it never eat?

They mainly eat insects in the wild, so offer good dried food with small live or frozen extras like bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia. Never feed anything that could harm them; always check with a vet or good breeder for specific foods to avoid.1

How much space does a Turquoise Danio need?

A tank with a base of at least 80 x 30 cm (about 72 litres) is recommended. They are active schoolers and need open swimming space along with planted areas.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Turquoise Danio need?

Keep the water temperature between 18-26°C (ideally 23-25°C), pH 6.5-7.5, and hardness 2-12°H. Provide moderate lighting and a well-planted tank with gravel and rocks. They can jump, so always keep the tank covered.1 2

How often should I clean a Turquoise Danio's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly partial water change of about 25%, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Turquoise Danio live with others?

Yes, they are gentle and sociable. Keep at least 8-10 together, and good tankmates include tetras, livebearers, rainbowfish and other small peaceful cyprinids.1

How long does a Turquoise Danio live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a more specific estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Turquoise Danio?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress or injure the fish. They are best observed in their tank, and you should only touch them when absolutely necessary, such as during tank cleaning, using a soft net.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Zebra Danio

Pearl Danio

Orange-finned Danio

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Seriously Fish - Danio kerri seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, appearance, availability
FishBase - Danio kerri fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, water parameters
Wikipedia - Turquoise Danio en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, naming history, appearance, spawning

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.