Edit Thayeria boehlkei

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Name

Scientific name

Thayeria boehlkei

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Characidae

Common names

False Penguin Tetra

Photograph credits

All 2 credited

Summary

The false penguin tetra, Thayeria boehlkei, is a characin probably restricted to the upper Amazon in Peru and the Rio Araguaia in Brazil. B…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

36mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 30 cm

Water

Water conditions

22–28°C

Hardness

0–20dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Brazil, Peru, Amazon

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Probably restricted to parts of the upper Amazon basin in Peru and the Rio Araguaia in Brazil.

Habitat

The Araguaia flows through several Brazilian states and is thought to have numerous sources due to the high number of tributaries that empty into it. It's like…

Aquarium size

A 60 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm/~68 litres tank is suitable for a small group of these. Ideally keep it in higher numbers in a bigger tank though.

Maintenance

This species makes a superb addition to the heavily-planted aquarium or well-maintained community. A planted tank can of course be further decorated with twist…

Water conditions

Temperature: 73° - 82°F/22 - 28°C pH: Very adaptable regarding water chemistry, not least because almost all of the fish entering the trade are mass-produced f…

Diet

It's a micropredator by nature, feeding on a variety of insects, worms, crustaceans and other small invertebrates in nature. It proves unfussy in the aquarium …

Behaviour and compatibility

A peaceful species that won't compete well with very boisterous or much larger tankmates. Ideally, keep it with other South American species, such as Hemigramm…

Sexual dimorphism

Adult females are more rounded in the belly and a little less intensely coloured than males.

Reproduction

Quite easily bred, although you'll need to set up a separate tank in which to do so if you want to raise any numbers of fry. Something around 18" x 10" x 10" i…

Notes

There are only three species in the genus Thayeria, of which T. boehlkei is by far the most popular in the hobby. Of its congeners, it was the type species T. …

There are only three species in the genus Thayeria, of which T. boehlkei is by far the most popular in the hobby. Of its congeners, it was the type species T. obliqua that was originally given the common name of "penguin" fish or tetra, although T. boehlkei is usually sold under the same name (we've also seen it on sale as "hockeystick" tetra). The two are easy to tell apart, as in T. boehlkei the thick black stripe extending from the lower lobe of the caudal fin travels laterally down the body to the opercle (gill flap). In T. obliqua this tapers upwards, fading out completely before it reaches the dorsal fin. The third species, T. ifati is a very pretty little fish that is rarely available in the hobby. In this one the black stripe is only present in the uppermost part of the lower caudal lobe, but it is much more clearly defined than in T. obliqua and extends upwards of the lateral line, beyond the dorsal fin. When in good condition the dorsal and anal fins develop attractive red tips, and the caudal lobes are edged in amber. All three species swim in an oblique, head-up style typical of the genus.

As with many genera of small characin, the taxonomic status of Thayeria species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or different genera.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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References

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Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References