Penguin Tetra

Thayeria boehlkei

Penguin Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Penguin Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: up to 20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6–8.

Temperament and compatibility

Penguin Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Small live/frozen insects and crustaceans plus flakes and granules.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Penguin Tetra get?

Penguin Tetra reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm).

What aquarium size does Penguin Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Penguin Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Penguin Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Penguin Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Penguin Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Penguin Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 6+.