Thayeria boehlkei
Note:
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
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Synonyms |
None |
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Distribution |
Heavily vegetated and slow-moving areas of the
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Sexual Dimorphism |
Mature females are fuller-bodied. |
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Maximum Size |
4cm (1.6?) |
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Water Parameters |
Captive-raised specimens will acclimatise to a
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Temperature |
22-28 deg C (72-82 deg F) |
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Compatibility |
Community with no long-finned fish |
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Lighting |
Medium |
Care
Penguin Tetras are a shoaling species that should be
maintained in groups of 6 or more. Can be slightly nippy, so long-finned
tankmates are best avoided. The tank should be well planted and have a cover of
floating plants to help diffuse the lighting. Very sensitive to elevated
nitrate levels, so excellent water quality is a must.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae,
brineshrimp and daphnia.
Breeding
A separate softwater breeding aquarium should be set up
with plenty of fine-leaved plants. Spawning takes place in darkened conditions,
where as many as 1000 eggs are laid. The parents should be removed once the
female is exhausted of eggs, and these will hatch within 24 hours. The fry are
tiny and should be offered infusoria as a first food. (It is worth noting that
many breeders of this species recommend carrying out a partial water change
when spawning is over, due to the large amounts of milt expelled by the male,
which could foul the water of the breeding tank).