Penguin Tetra care guide
Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a slim characid from the western Amazon basin. The fish is named for a bold black stripe extending from the gill plate along the lateral line and into the lower lobe of the caudal fin, combined with a habit of holding the body at a slight head-up angle.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Thayeria
- Scientific name: Thayeria boehlkei
- Common synonyms: Hockey Stick Tetra
Habitat
Native to soft, slightly acidic tributaries of the upper Amazon and Araguaia river systems in Brazil and Peru, where it shoals in mid-water among submerged branches and aquatic plants.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore that takes small invertebrates and plant material in the wild. In aquaria a varied diet of flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp) keeps the species in good condition.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water schooling species best kept in groups of at least six. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful characins, Corydoras, Otocinclus and small loricariids. The species can be active and is unsuitable as a companion for very small or slow-moving fish.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Spawning occurs over fine-leaved plants in soft, slightly acidic water with subdued lighting; remove the parents after spawning. Fry hatch within roughly 24 hours.