
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Thayeria boehlkei
A small characin with a silver body and a black stripe running straight from the lower caudal lobe to the gill cover. It habitually hangs at a slight head-up angle, and that posture with the markings is what suggests a penguin. Peaceful and hardy.
Thayeria boehlkei is a small characin from the upper Amazon in Peru and the Araguaia River in Brazil. FishBase gives 3.6cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 22-28C, and notes records to 6cm TL. Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, 0-20 dGH and a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. A black stripe runs straight from the lower caudal lobe to the gill cover on a silver body, and the fish habitually holds itself at a slight head-up angle, which together gave it the penguin name. It is a peaceful shoaler that settles best in groups of six and preferably ten or more. Spawning is easy and the eggs hatch in about twenty to twenty-four hours.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Penguin Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Penguin Tetra grows to About 3.6cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Penguin Tetra is 22〜28℃.
Origin
South America (upper Amazon in Peru and the Araguaia River in Brazil)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
About 3.6cm SL
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
22〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. It uses the middle and upper water, so leave open space near the surface, soften the light with floating plants and keep the tank covered against jumping.
Seriously Fish gives 22-28C and 0-20 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 22-28C. It is adaptable and farmed fish are undemanding.
Peaceful and suited to small Hemigrammus and Hyphessobrycon tetras, pencilfish, Apistogramma, Corydoras and loricariids. It loses out to boisterous or large fish. Keep six at minimum and preferably ten or more.
FishBase records worms, small insects and crustaceans in the wild. It takes dried food readily, and frozen bloodworm and Daphnia improve colour. It is quick to pick food from near the surface.
Breeding is fairly easy. Spawn them in a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base and remove the adults. FishBase reports a large number of eggs in the aquarium, hatching in about twenty to twenty-four hours.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It will jump when startled, so a close-fitting lid is needed. It is easily confused with its congener T. obliqua.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Penguin Tetra is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Penguin Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Penguin Tetra typically reaches About 3.6cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Penguin Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Penguin Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026