Penguin Tetra - Coloring
Penguin Tetra
The Penguin Tetra originates from streams in Brazil. It is also know as the Penguin Fish and the Hockey Stick Tetra. It is predominantly white or olive with a thick black band running down the lateral line and into the lower half of the tail fin. The belly is silvery. The penguin gets its name from the fact that it swims in a partly upright position instead of the horizontal pattern typical of most fish.
Penguin Tetra - Aquarium Setup
Penguins are a good beginner fish as they are quite hardy and peaceful, though they will nip at the fins of slow moving tank mates. A dark substrate with bushy plants is recommended. Groups of 6 or more are best. The penguin eats standard flake foods and will enjoy the occasional live brine shrimp.
Penguin Tetra - Compatibility
The Penguin Tetra is compatible with the Black Skirt Tetra, Blind Cave Tetra, Bloodfin, Buenos Aires Tetra, Cherry Barb, Clown Loach, Congo Tetra, Diamond Tetra, Dwarf Gourami, Emperor Tetra, Flame Tetra, GloFish, Harlequin Rasbora, Head-and-Tail-Light Tetra, Iridescent Shark, Kuhli Loach, Lemon Tetra, Molly, Otto Catfish, Pearl Gourami, Platy, Red Eye Tetra, Red Tailed Shark, Rosy Barb, Sailfin Molly, Serpae Tetra, Silver Dollar, Silver Hatchetfish, Silver Tip Tetra, Swordtail, Zebra Danio
Penguin Tetra - Breeding
Feed Penguins live foods to bring on spawning. The females will be larger than the males. Combining several males and females is the best way to ensure a mating pair are combined. The tank bottom can be covered in java moss to catch the eggs. The female will release hundreds of eggs and these will hatch within 24 hours. The parents should be removed after spawning. The fry should be fed brine shrimp.
Penguin Tetra - Profile
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Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
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Family: Characin
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Temperature: 22 - 28 C; 72 - 82 F
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pH: 6.0 - 8.0
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Size: 6 cm; 2.5 inches
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Life Span: 5 years
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Breeding: Normal, Egg Layer