Description

Penguin Tetra

A Complete Guide:

The Penguin Tetra, known scientifically as Thayeria boehlkei, is a popular and lively shoaling fish from the freshwaters of the Amazon basin. It gets its common name from its distinctive, slightly head-up, tilted swimming style, which gives it the appearance of a penguin. A great addition to a community tank, this tetra is known for its active nature and striking markings.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: This fish has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body. Its most notable feature is a thick, dark black stripe that runs horizontally from the back of its gill cover to the lower lobe of its tail fin, where it extends into the fin itself. The body above this line is a silvery-grey or olive hue.
• Size: An adult Penguin Tetra typically grows to a length of around 6 to 7 cm (approximately 2.5 to 2.8 inches).
• Lifespan: With the right care, these fish can live for 3 to 5 years.

Care and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A tank of at least 75 litres (20 gallons) is recommended for a healthy shoal of six or more individuals. They are very active swimmers and need plenty of horizontal space, so a longer tank is always a better choice than a taller one.
• Water Parameters: Penguin Tetras are quite adaptable and thrive in a temperature range of 23∘C to 28∘C (73∘F to 82∘F) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. As with all aquarium fish, maintaining excellent water quality through consistent filtration and regular partial water changes is crucial for their well-being.
• Tank Setup: A planted tank with open swimming space in the middle is ideal. Use a dark substrate to help their colours stand out and to make them feel more secure. Providing some floating plants can also help to diffuse the light, mimicking their natural habitat and reducing stress.

Diet

Penguin Tetras are omnivores and will readily accept a variety of foods. Their primary diet should consist of a high-quality flake or granule food. To supplement this and provide a balanced diet, offer them small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. They are surface and mid-water feeders, so make sure the food you offer doesn’t sink too quickly.

Behaviour and Compatibility

• Temperament: These are peaceful and social fish. They are happiest, most confident, and display their best behaviour when kept in a shoal of at least six fish. In smaller numbers, they can become shy or even nippy. They are known for being very active and can be seen zipping around the tank, which adds a lot of life to an aquarium.
• Tank Mates: Due to their peaceful nature, they are great for a community aquarium. They get along well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include other small to medium-sized tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and other pencilfish. Avoid keeping them with long-finned or slow-moving fish, as they can sometimes be mischievous fin-nippers if not kept in a large enough group.