Species profile
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Classic oblique-swimming shoaling tetra. Small groups may become nippy; keep a proper shoal.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Peaceful in a decent group, with occasional fin-testing behaviour if understocked. Avoid very slow long-finned companions.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Thayeria boehlkei
Alternative names
Penguin Tetra, Hockey Stick Tetra, Thayeria boehlkei
Native range
Upper Amazon basin of Peru and Brazil.
Natural habitat
Freshwater tributaries and margins. Darker substrate, planting and open schooling space suit the species.
Diet & feeding
Feeds on worms, insects and crustaceans; provide varied small dry and frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are typically fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs; males are slimmer.
Breeding
Egg-scattering species with no parental care; breeding is easiest in a separate conditioned setup.