6 X Penguin Tetra: A Graceful and Striking Aquarium Addition Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei

Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
Common Name: Penguin Tetra

Habitat: Penguin Tetras are native to the Amazon River basin in South America. They are typically found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded areas with dense vegetation.

Tank Setup: Penguin Tetras thrive in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Provide them with a tank size of at least 20 gallons to accommodate a school of six tetras. Maintain a water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH level of 6.0-7.5. It is recommended to use a filtration system to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.

Diet and Nutrition: Penguin Tetras are omnivorous and will readily accept high-quality flake or pellet food as their primary diet. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to provide them with additional nutrients and variety.

Size and Growth Rate: These tetras can reach a size of approximately 2 inches (5 cm) within a year. They are considered a small-sized fish, making them suitable for smaller aquariums.

Behavioral Traits: Penguin Tetras are peaceful and social fish that prefer to be kept in a school of at least six individuals. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their surroundings. These tetras are known for their graceful movements and striking appearance, making them a captivating addition to any aquarium.

Care Level: Penguin Tetras are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are hardy fish that can adapt well to various water conditions.

Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Penguin Tetras can be challenging, as they require specific conditions to trigger spawning. Provide them with a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and plenty of plants for egg deposition. The eggs will hatch in approximately 24-36 hours, and the fry can be fed with infusoria or commercially available fry food.

Health and Disease Prevention: To ensure the health of your Penguin Tetras, maintain good water quality, provide a balanced diet, and avoid overcrowding. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are essential. Quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.

Optimal Water Conditions:
– Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
– pH: 6.0-7.5
– Hardness: 2-10 dGH

Lifespan: With proper care, Penguin Tetras can live for 3-5 years, providing long-lasting beauty to your aquarium.

Additional Interesting Facts:
– Penguin Tetras get their name from their black and white coloration, resembling the markings of a penguin.
– They are a peaceful species and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish.
– These tetras are known to jump, so it is important to have a secure lid on the aquarium to prevent them from escaping.
– In the wild, Penguin Tetras form large schools for protection against predators.
– They are known to exhibit schooling behavior in the aquarium, which adds to their visual appeal.