Penguin Tetra     Thayeria boehlkei

A lively and interesting fish that swims with its head tilted upwards and moves in quick darting motions.

Grows to: 2.5"

Hobbyist Level:  Not recommended for beginners.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look good with a dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to upper region of the tank.  They enjoy a healthy water current.  Penguin tetras are sensitive to high levels of nitrate in the water.  Minimum tank size is about 10 gallons. (Temperature- 72-82),  (pH 5.5-7.5)

Tank mates:  They are active fish that should be kept with other active fish of similar size. Adults may nip fins of slow moving fish.  Should not be trusted with fancy guppies or neon tetras.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Tetras will show their best color after you have owned it for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Peru & Brazil.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Females will appear more round bodied when plump with eggs.

See also:  Tetras