Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a peaceful schooling tetra with a bold black stripe and a distinctive head-up swimming angle.
Appearance and natural habitat
In a settled group the fish spend much of their time together in midwater, with short displays and changes of position giving the aquarium constant movement. Keeping enough of their own kind improves confidence, colour and natural social behaviour.
In the wild, this fish comes from the upper Amazon in Peru and the Rio Araguaia system in Brazil. It is associated with vegetated wetlands and shaded forest streams with areas of open water. Matching some of that shelter and maintaining stable water helps the fish settle; use the species-appropriate conditions shown below.
Penguin Tetra care
- Adult size: up to 4 cm
- Temperature: 22-28°C
- pH: 5.5-8.0
- Temperament: Peaceful community fish
- Group: At least 6; 10 or more is ideal
- Care level: Easy
Aquarium setup
Provide a mature planted aquarium with open swimming room, a secure lid and some shaded areas. The species is adaptable but should not be mixed with large or very boisterous fish.
Use an established filter and introduce the fish only after the aquarium is fully cycled. Regular partial water changes and steady conditions are safer than sudden attempts to adjust pH or hardness.
Feeding and tank mates
Feeding: Feed fine flake or granules together with small frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.
Compatibility: Penguin Tetras settle best in a proper group. Keeping enough fish also directs their social sparring towards one another rather than slower tank mates.
Watch the group at feeding time to make sure every fish gets food, particularly when they share the aquarium with faster species. A varied diet, clean water and suitable companions are the best route to strong colour and long-term health.


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