Description
Penguin Tetras originate from the upper waters of the Amazon Basin in Peru and Brazil. They are fish with a long black stripe going down their bodies from head to the bottom half of their tail. They are kept in large numbers in aquariums for their large schooling nature. Their habitat includes underwater forests that have lots of vegetation and plant roots. A well-planted tank set-up will provide them with comfort.
They are a very peaceful species and will go well with other peaceful community fish. It is not ideal to keep them with more active and fast swimming fish as they are a shy species. They are schooling fish by nature and is best to keep them in schools of 6-10 or more as they feel more secure and comfortable in schools. When kept in low numbers, they do nip fins of other fish.
In nature, they are micro predators, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, invertebrates, and worms in the water. In the aquarium, they are not fussy and will eat anything that is offered. Commercially available fish food will suffice and is better when fed with live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, and bloodworms.
FUN FACT: This Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei), is actually called the ‘False Penguin Tetra’. The original Penguin Tetra (Thayeria obliqua) does not have a black line across its body but only on the bottom half of its tail.
Please visit our store if you wish to get this fish. Contact us at 03-7733 7469 for queries on types and availability.
* Available in-store only