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Penguin Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Thayeria boehlkei

Complete Penguin Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Penguin Tetra

Quick Answer

Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is named for its unique swimming posture — it tilts its body at a 45-degree angle. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is named for its unique swimming posture — it tilts its body at a 45-degree angle. A bold black stripe runs from nose to the bottom of the tail.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger tank with open swimming space and plants around the edges. They prefer slightly acidic, soft water but adapt well.

Feeding

Omnivorous; accepts flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Compatibility

Peaceful. Keep in schools of 6+. Good with other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid fin-nippers.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Penguin Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Penguin tetras (Thayeria boehlkei) swim with a distinct head-up angled profile and can develop fin-nipping habits if kept in small numbers. Groups under 6 cause stress and aggression. A school of 15+ displays natural shoaling behavior. Provide open swimming lanes and floating plants. Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm). Use a tight-fitting lid; they are jumpers.
What are the exact water parameters for Penguin Tetras?
Target pH 6.0 - 7.5, General Hardness 3 - 10 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 2 - 8 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 250 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 160 - 500 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They are active, hardy fish that do best in a well-covered aquarium. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge or HOB filter with moderate flow. Add driftwood and dark substrate to enhance black markings. Hardness below 3 dGH causes clamped fins.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Penguin Tetras?
They are standard omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed quality tropical flake blends, slow-sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, and brine shrimp twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are susceptible to ich; treat with malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L).
How to breed Penguin Tetras in captivity?
Select 10-12 mature fish and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of water (pH 6.5, dGH 5, 78°F/25.5°C), a spawning mop, and dim light. Simulate dawn over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female lays 200-300 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7.

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