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Penguin tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)
Photo: Andrew Gray · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Penguin tetra

Thayeria boehlkei · Characidae

Also known as Blackline penguinfish, Hockey stick tetra

Beginner

Swims at a nose-up angle with a black hook down the tail; active and hardy.

In short: A penguin tetra needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) and pH 6–7.8. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated beginner to keep.

Updated

Minimum tank
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH
6–7.8
Adult size
6 cm (2.4 in)
Group size
6+

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH
6–7.8
Hardness
3–18 dGH
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen foods.
Care level
Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region
Araguaia basin, Brazil and Peru
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Slow river margins
Natural conditions
Soft to medium water with open swimming space.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
Mid-water
Good tank mates
Corydoras
Rasboras
Gouramis
Avoid
Tiny shrimp
Aggressive cichlids

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Intermediate
Sexing
Females are fuller-bodied.
Notes
Egg scatterer among fine plants.
Common ailments
Ich
Fin rot
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