CheckMyFishTankPenguin Tetra care
Thayeria boehlkei · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A tetra that swims at a slight upward angle like a penguin.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen brine shrimp.
Nips the fins of slow fish with long fins.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Penguin Tetra in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Penguin Tetra.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Penguin Tetra.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Penguin Tetra.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Penguin Tetra.
- Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Penguin Tetra.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Penguin Tetra.
- Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Penguin Tetra.
- Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Penguin Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Penguin Tetra need?
At least 30 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 3 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Penguin Tetra like?
72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Penguin Tetra should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Penguin Tetra eat?
Flakes, small pellets, frozen brine shrimp. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.