Penguin Tetra 3cm – Thayeria boehlkei

The Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is a peaceful and distinctive freshwater schooling fish known for its bold black stripe and characteristic slightly angled swimming position.

At approximately 3cm, these young Penguin Tetras are a great choice for established tropical community aquariums. They are active without being overly boisterous and look particularly impressive when kept as a proper school.

Penguin Tetras are well suited to planted aquariums and mixed community tanks with other peaceful fish. For their best behaviour and a more natural display, keep them in a group of at least six, with larger groups preferred where aquarium space allows.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
• Common Name: Penguin Tetra / False Penguin Tetra
• Sale Size: Approximately 3cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 4–6cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Social Behaviour: Schooling fish
• Recommended Group: 6 or more, preferably 10+
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: Approximately 5.5–8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Diet: Omnivorous / micropredator
• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin: South America

A Peaceful Schooling Tetra

Penguin Tetras are peaceful community fish that spend much of their time swimming through the middle areas of the aquarium. Their unusual swimming posture and contrasting black stripe make a school easy to recognise even in a busy planted tank.

They can be kept alongside many other peaceful tropical fish, including suitable Tetras, Corydoras, smaller peaceful catfish, rasboras and other similarly sized community species.

Avoid keeping them with very large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish that may intimidate them or view smaller tetras as food.

Aquarium Setup

A well-maintained aquarium with swimming space and areas of plant cover works well for Penguin Tetras. Aquarium plants, driftwood and darker areas can help create a comfortable environment while still leaving open water for the school to move together.

A tank around 60cm long or larger is a useful starting point for a small group. Larger aquariums allow a bigger school and usually produce a more impressive natural display.

Browse our Tropical Fish range for other peaceful freshwater species that may suit your community aquarium.

Feeding Penguin Tetras

Penguin Tetras are generally straightforward to feed. Offer a varied diet based around quality tropical flakes or small granules, supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia or bloodworm.

Smaller foods are particularly useful for younger fish around the 3cm sale size.

Buying Penguin Tetras Online

Aquaholics Online supplies freshwater aquarium fish to customers across eligible Australian locations. Live fish are packed using specialist livestock packing methods designed to help them travel safely.

Please review our live fish shipping information before ordering for current dispatch, delivery and live-arrival details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Penguin Tetras should I keep?

Keep Penguin Tetras in a group of at least six. A group of ten or more is even better when aquarium size allows and generally produces more natural schooling behaviour.

Are Penguin Tetras suitable for community aquariums?

Yes. Penguin Tetras are generally peaceful and are well suited to community aquariums containing other compatible fish of a similar size and temperament.

Are Penguin Tetras suitable for planted tanks?

Yes. Penguin Tetras look excellent in planted aquariums. Providing plant cover along with open swimming areas gives the school places to retreat while allowing their natural swimming behaviour to be seen.

Live fish may vary slightly in colour, pattern and size. The stated 3cm size is approximate.