PENGUIN TETRA – 企鹅灯

The Penguin Tetra, also known as thayeria boehlkei, is a popular member of the tetra freshwater fish species. Like its cousins, the Cardinal and Neon Tetra, the Penguin Tetra is kept for its attractive pattern, gentle nature, and wide availability. Schools of Penguin Tetra contrast to colorful fish in freshwater aquariums. Penguin Tetras are one of many thousands of species of collectible fish that come from South America. They are a social, schooling species that is found extensively in the Amazon Basin from Peru into Western Brazil. The species prefers slow-moving waters and forms large schools. Like many tetra species, the Penguin Tetra moves back and forth from the river to the flood lands during the rainy season for breeding and shelter. Penguin Tetras prefer this highly tannic water because of the heavy amounts of rotting vegetation that give it a dark color, almost like coffee.

It is in these low-light waters that the Penguin Tetra can be at its most vivid pattern. As floodwaters recede, the Penguin Tetra follow them back to their normal river habitats.

The Penguin Tetra is not brightly colored. What makes it stand out is the vivid black stripe running the length of its golden body all the way to the end of the lower lobe of its tail. This distinctive pattern gives the Penguin Tetra its other names of Black Stripe Tetra and Hockey Stick Tetra. In well-kept environments, the Penguin Tetra size can reach up to 2.5 inches, making it one of the larger members of the tetra species. In the wild, the fish is relatively short-lived. In aquariums, the Penguin Tetra lifespan is up to 5 years.