Penguin Tetra – Thayeria boehlkei
The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its bold black stripe, silver body, and unique angled swimming style. This classic tetra adds movement, contrast, and personality to planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.
Penguin Tetras are active, hardy, and best kept in groups where they can display natural schooling behavior. Their distinct black line and slightly tilted swimming posture make them stand out from many other common tetra species.
Key Features
- Distinct black stripe along the body
- Unique angled swimming style
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Great for planted tanks and community aquariums
- Active swimmer with classic tetra behavior
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
- Common Name: Penguin Tetra
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Penguin Tetras?
Penguin Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful schooling fish with a different look and behavior. Their black stripe creates strong contrast, while their angled swimming style adds visual interest to the aquarium.
They are hardy and adaptable in stable aquarium conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists. A group of Penguin Tetras brings steady motion and a natural schooling display to freshwater tanks.
Ideal Tank Setup
Penguin Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds help them feel secure while enhancing their silver and black coloration.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Because they are active swimmers, a 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a proper group.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Penguin Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Add plants or decor for cover and comfort
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Penguin Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Penguin Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Penguin Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Why do Penguin Tetras swim at an angle?
Penguin Tetras are known for their naturally angled swimming posture, which is part of their normal behavior and makes them unique.
Are Penguin Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are a great choice for planted aquariums and look excellent against live plants, driftwood, and darker backgrounds.
How big do Penguin Tetras get?
Penguin Tetras typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches as adults.
What do Penguin Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Penguin Tetras are peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Low stock: 2 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: