Penguin Tetra care guide
Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Penguin Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
Thayeria boehlkei is a characid from the Amazon basin and the Approuague and Maroni rivers of tropical South America, recognised by its oblique swimming posture. It is an egg scatterer that gives no parental care, and a large female can produce a substantial brood.
Sexing
Adult females are more rounded in the belly and a little less intensely coloured than males.
Conditioning
Condition the breeders with plenty of small live foods before attempting to spawn them.
Breeding Setup
Use a separate, very dimly lit tank around 18 x 10 x 10 inches with acidic to neutral water; peat filtration is optional. Provide fine-leaved plants such as java moss or spawning mops, or a mesh base through which eggs can fall, plus a gently bubbling air-powered sponge filter. Raising the temperature several degrees above the conditioning tank helps induce spawning.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The species can be spawned as a group of about six males and six females, or as a single pair using the fattest female and best-coloured male. Transfer them in the evening and they should spawn the following morning. A single female may produce as many as 3000 eggs, although around 1000 is more usual. The eggs are semi-adhesive.
Egg & Fry Care
The adults will eat the eggs given the chance and should be removed once spawning is detected. Eggs hatch in 12-24 hours and the fry become free-swimming 3-4 days later. Keep the tank in darkness if possible during the early stages. Offer infusoria-type food first, followed by microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.