Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)

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Penguin Tetra

PenguinTetra-8803.jpg
Penguin Tetra

Thayeria boehlkei

57 Litres (15 US G.)

5.1-7.6cm (2-3 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 8.0

23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)

5-19 °d

2:3 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Characidae



Additional names

Penguin Tetra, Penguin Fish, Hockey Stick Tetra, Blackline Penguinfish


Sexing

Females are larger and have thicker bodies than males when mature.


Tank compatibility

A shoaling fish that must be kept in groups of 6 or more. Do not keep with predatory fish. Can be kept with similar sized shoaling fish, can also be nippy and shouldn't be kept with slower long finned fish.


Diet

Will take most foods including pellets and flakes as well as live/frozen food such as brine shrimp and daphnia.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

They need a spacious tank with lots of open swimming space. Some hiding places in tall plants is appreciated. They are sensitive to high nitrate levels.


Behaviour

They have been seen to bond with the Black Neon Tetras, shoaling together. They swim with occasional hopping motion, with the tail down a few degrees. The lower rear fin colouring intensifying this behaviour.


Identification

This fish has a grey/silver elongated body with a thick black horizontal stripe, which extends from the head to the tip of the bottom half of the tail, in a 'hockey stick' design.

Pictures

External links