Penguin Tetra, scientifically known as Thayeria boehlkei, is a type of characin fish found in the Amazon and Araguaia rivers in Peru and Brazil.
It’s a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts and goes by several names such as Blackline Penguinfish, Blackline Thayeria, Hockey-stick Tetra, and Penguin Fish.
This fish was named to honor James E. Böhlke for his work on South American characids. Penguin Tetra eats worms, small insects, and crustaceans.
It thrives when kept in a group of at least 5 fish. The tank should be a minimum of 23.6 inches (60 centimeters) to provide ample space for all the fish to swim freely.
Penguin Tetra Interesting Facts
- Penguin Tetras are native to the Amazon and Araguaia rivers in Peru and Brazil.
- These fish eat worms, insects, and crustaceans; they thrive in pH levels between 6.0 to 8.0.
- Female Penguin Tetras lay eggs that hatch within 20 to 24 hours in an aquarium setting.
- Ideal aquarium conditions include a group of at least five individuals and a minimum tank size of 23.6 inches (60 centimeters).
Penguin Tetra Habitat
Penguin Tetra lives in South America, specifically in the upper Amazon River basin in Peru and the Araguaia River in Brazil.
This fish prefers freshwater and swims near the water’s surface. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 to 8.0, with a hardness (dH) range of 5 to 19.
The best temperature for this tropical fish is from 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Penguin Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.3 inches (3.2 centimeters)
Penguin Tetra grows up to 1.3 inches (3.2 centimeters) long.
Penguin Tetra Reproduction
Penguin Tetras are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs to reproduce.
In an aquarium setting, females lay many eggs that hatch within 20 to 24 hours.
Penguin Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Thayeria |
| Scientific Name: | Thayeria boehlkei |
| Also Known As: | Penguin Tetra, Blackline Penguinfish, Blackline Thayeria, Hockey-stick Tetra, Penguin Fish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |