Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish native to South America, often sought after by aquarium enthusiasts for its striking appearance and calm demeanor. It is particularly well-suited for community tanks due to its non-aggressive nature and its tendency to school with other fish.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Penguin Tetra grows to an average length of about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm). Despite being small, they are quite active and visible in the tank.
• Body Shape: The body is slender, elongated, and streamlined, with a somewhat triangular shape that helps it move gracefully through the water.
• Coloration: The main body color is a shimmering silvery-white or pale yellow, which can have a slight iridescent sheen depending on the lighting. The most distinctive feature is the dark black stripe running from the fish’s eye, extending to the base of the tail fin. This stripe gives the fish a "penguin-like" appearance, which is how it got its name.
• Fins: The fins are generally transparent, but the dorsal fin and tail fin may have darker tips or edges. The fish’s fins are relatively delicate and help accentuate its graceful movements in the water.

Behavior and Temperament:

• Peaceful Nature: Penguin Tetras are generally calm and non-aggressive, making them excellent candidates for community aquariums. They are unlikely to harass other species, but like many tetras, they can become more active and bold when kept in groups.
• Schooling Fish: These fish are schooling by nature, which means they thrive when kept in groups of 6 or more. A school provides security and helps reduce stress among the fish, encouraging their natural behavior of swimming together in coordinated patterns.
• Social: They interact well with other peaceful species, particularly other small, non-aggressive fish. It’s best to keep them with species like other tetras, peaceful barbs, and small livebearers.
• Active: Penguin Tetras are active swimmers and prefer to occupy the middle levels of the aquarium, where they can easily dart around. They are often seen in motion as they follow the school, making the tank come to life.

Habitat and Tank Requirements:

• Origin: Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, specifically found in clearwater streams and slow-moving rivers.
• Water Conditions:
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5).
  • Temperature: Prefers a range of 72-80°F (22-27°C), typical of tropical freshwater environments.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is ideal for them.
• Tank Setup: Penguin Tetras thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places created by rocks, plants, or driftwood. They prefer a gentle water flow, as they are not accustomed to fast-moving currents in their natural habitat.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or soft sand is suitable for the substrate.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting works well, as they are accustomed to slightly shaded environments in the wild.

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Penguin Tetras are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of foods. Their diet can include:
  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets designed for small fish.
  • Live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia, which they enjoy as a protein source.
  • Frozen foods are also accepted, as long as they are properly thawed before feeding.
  • Vegetables such as blanched spinach or zucchini can also be given occasionally.

Breeding:

• Penguin Tetras are egg layers. They typically breed in groups, with the female laying eggs on plants or aquarium surfaces. They can be challenging to breed in captivity, as they require specific water conditions and the right environment. When breeding, they may need to be isolated in a separate breeding tank, as the parents sometimes consume their own eggs.

Lifespan:

• With proper care, Penguin Tetras typically live for about 3 to 5 years, though some can live even longer in optimal conditions.

Care Level:

• Beginner-Friendly: Penguin Tetras are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. They adapt well to standard aquarium conditions, provided their water parameters are maintained and they are kept in groups.

Conclusion:

The Penguin Tetra is a vibrant, peaceful, and social fish that adds color and activity to a community aquarium. Its unique appearance, with the characteristic black stripe resembling a penguin’s markings, makes it an eye-catching addition to any tank.