The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its distinctive black horizontal stripe running from the eye to the tail, resembling a penguin's tuxedo. It is an active schooling fish, ideal for community tanks.
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The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its distinctive black horizontal stripe running from the eye to the tail, resembling a penguin's tuxedo. It is an active schooling fish, ideal for community tanks.
Slender silver body with a striking black horizontal stripe from eye to tail. Fins are slightly translucent with hints of red on the caudal fin. Adults reach up to 2.5 inches (6–7 cm).
5–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
Penguin Tetras are active, peaceful, and visually appealing fish for community aquariums. Their bold stripe, schooling behavior, and calm temperament make them a valuable addition to planted tanks.
Moderate — hardy species but requires stable water conditions and schooling to thrive.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
2–12 dGH
75–80°F (24–27°C)
2.5 inches (6–7 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, small livebearers, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful shrimp/snails.
Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that may bully or eat them. Long-finned or slow-moving fish may also be fin-nipped.
Thayeria boehlkei
Characidae
Amazon Basin, South America
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a varied diet of flakes, micro-pellets, and live/frozen foods to maintain health and vibrant coloration.
Egg scatterer. Spawns in fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent predation.
Requires a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5, temperature 76–80°F / 24–27°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed fry with infusoria initially, then gradually transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Susceptible to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality declines or if kept in insufficient numbers.
Peaceful, schooling fish
Peaceful and social. Prefers mid-level tank areas and exhibits schooling patterns when kept in groups. Active swimmers that enjoy open spaces with planted hiding spots.
Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, the Penguin Tetra is admired for its bold black stripe and peaceful nature. Best kept in schools of 6 or more, it exhibits synchronized schooling behavior and adds dynamic movement to the mid-level areas of a community tank. Prefers planted tanks with gentle water flow and stable parameters. It is relatively hardy, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.