More info
Common Name: Penguin Tetra
Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei (Weitzman, 1957)
Order: Characiformes — Family: Characidae
Distribution: South America — Amazon and Araguaia river basins, mainly in Brazil and Peru.
Conservation Status (IUCN): LC — Least Concern
Lifespan: Around 5 years
Average Size: 5 cm — Maximum Adult Size: up to 7 cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0 — Hardness: 5 – 19 dGH
Temperature: 23°C – 27°C
Minimum Tank Size: 100 litres. A planted aquarium with sandy substrate, driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space is recommended.
Behaviour & Compatibility:
A peaceful, active and diurnal schooling fish, ideal for community aquariums. Naturally lives in groups and should be kept in schools to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. Non-territorial and compatible with other calm species.
Diet:
Carnivore. In the wild feeds on small aquatic insects, larvae and microinvertebrates. In captivity readily accepts high-quality dry foods, micro-pellets, as well as live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae.
Reproduction:
Oviparous, with open-water spawning. Breeding in aquaria is possible and considered easy. Eggs are scattered freely with no parental care. A separate breeding tank with subdued lighting and fine-leaved plants is recommended.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Subtle. Females tend to be slightly deeper-bodied, especially when gravid.
Habitat & Biotope:
Slow-moving to moderately flowing rivers and streams with sandy bottoms and abundant marginal vegetation.
Maintenance Notes:
A hardy and tolerant species. Nitrate levels should be kept below 50 mg/L, with monthly water changes of 20–30%. Easy to maintain and widely available in the aquarium trade.
Etymology:
The genus Thayeria honours American naturalist John Eliot Thayer. The species name boehlkei commemorates ichthyologist James E. Böhlke. The common name “Penguin Tetra” refers to its distinctive angled swimming posture.