Species profile
Cochu's Blue Tetra
Boehlkea fredcochui
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
4–5.5 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 10
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Active shoaling tetra. The aquarium-trade name 'Blue Tetra' is also widely applied to Knodus borki, so confirmed identity matters.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 10
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.5
Fast, social and generally peaceful, but small groups or cramped tanks can encourage chasing and fin attention.
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
Yes
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
Boehlkea fredcochui
Alternative names
Cochu's Blue Tetra, Blue Tetra
Native range
Amazon basin in South America.
Natural habitat
Use an 80 cm+ aquarium with open swimming space, planted or woody margins and clean, well-oxygenated water.
Diet & feeding
Small quality dry foods with regular live/frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are usually fuller-bodied; males tend to be slimmer.
Breeding
Egg-scattering characin with no parental care; adults may eat eggs and fry.