Cochu's Blue Tetra Care Guide
Boehlkea fredcochui, Cochu's blue tetra, is an active translucent-blue characiform from the Amazon basin best kept in larger groups.
Overview
Boehlkea fredcochui, Cochu's blue tetra, is a freshwater characiform fish described by Géry in 1966. The body is translucent blue with pink tones. It is a very active schooling fish that may nip fins during feeding or when stressed, particularly when kept in too few numbers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Stevardiidae (formerly placed in Characidae)
- Genus: Boehlkea
- Scientific name: Boehlkea fredcochui
- Author: Géry, 1966
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Amazon River basin in South America, where it is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical waters. The KB record notes its origin in the upper Amazon.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (about 90 cm length or larger)
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH (soft to medium, below about 15 °d)
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Size: 4-5 cm (FishBase max length 5.4 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
It is an omnivore, with FishBase estimating a trophic level of about 2.8. In the aquarium it accepts small dried foods alongside live and frozen items such as Daphnia and Artemia to maintain condition and colour.
Compatibility
The species is generally peaceful but can nip fins, so it is best kept in groups of at least six to eight to diffuse aggression within the school. Long-finned tankmates should be avoided. Suitable companions include other active tetras and bottom-dwelling Corydoras. As a fast, mid-water swimmer it suits a roomy tank with open swimming space.
Breeding
It is an egg-scatterer. According to Wikipedia, spawning involves eggs scattered among fine-leaved plants, with soft, acidic water required for the eggs to hatch; breeding is considered difficult. Males are described as slimmer and more streamlined with more intense colouration.