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Red Tail Penguin Tetra (Thayeria sp)
Shipping size 1-1.5 inches
The Red Tail Penguin Tetra is a peaceful, active freshwater schooling fish known for its distinctive black diagonal stripe, sleek silver body, and attractive reddish tail coloration. This eye-catching tropical fish adds movement and contrast to planted aquariums, making it an excellent choice for community fish tanks. Its unique swimming posture and energetic schooling behavior make it a fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Red Tail Penguin Tetra Care Guide
Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
Common Name: Red Tail Penguin Tetra, Penguin Tetra
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Maximum Size: 2.5–3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Temperature: 72–82°F
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Tank Level: Middle to Upper
Schooling Requirements: Groups of 6 or more
Origin: South America
Aquarium Care and Requirements
Red Tail Penguin Tetras thrive in well-maintained freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of swimming space. They prefer planted aquariums with driftwood, natural decorations, and open areas where they can swim together.
As a schooling species, Red Tail Penguin Tetras should be kept in groups of at least six, although larger groups encourage more natural behavior and help reduce stress. Their peaceful temperament makes them suitable for community aquariums with other non-aggressive tropical fish.
Diet and Feeding
Red Tail Penguin Tetras are omnivores that readily accept high-quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. Offering a varied diet that includes brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms helps support healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and overall well-being.
Feed small portions once or twice daily, providing only what the fish can consume within a few minutes.
Tank Mates
Red Tail Penguin Tetras make excellent community aquarium fish and can be housed with other peaceful freshwater species, including Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Rasboras, peaceful Gouramis, and small Plecos. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or predatory fish.
Why Choose Red Tail Penguin Tetras?
The Red Tail Penguin Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, peaceful, and visually interesting schooling fish. Its distinctive black stripe, subtle red tail coloration, and active swimming behavior create a lively display in planted and community aquariums. Whether you're setting up a new tropical fish tank or adding variety to an established aquarium, Red Tail Penguin Tetras are a beautiful and rewarding addition.
Shipping size 1-1.5 inches
The Red Tail Penguin Tetra is a peaceful, active freshwater schooling fish known for its distinctive black diagonal stripe, sleek silver body, and attractive reddish tail coloration. This eye-catching tropical fish adds movement and contrast to planted aquariums, making it an excellent choice for community fish tanks. Its unique swimming posture and energetic schooling behavior make it a fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Red Tail Penguin Tetra Care Guide
Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
Common Name: Red Tail Penguin Tetra, Penguin Tetra
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Maximum Size: 2.5–3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Water Temperature: 72–82°F
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Tank Level: Middle to Upper
Schooling Requirements: Groups of 6 or more
Origin: South America
Aquarium Care and Requirements
Red Tail Penguin Tetras thrive in well-maintained freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of swimming space. They prefer planted aquariums with driftwood, natural decorations, and open areas where they can swim together.
As a schooling species, Red Tail Penguin Tetras should be kept in groups of at least six, although larger groups encourage more natural behavior and help reduce stress. Their peaceful temperament makes them suitable for community aquariums with other non-aggressive tropical fish.
Diet and Feeding
Red Tail Penguin Tetras are omnivores that readily accept high-quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. Offering a varied diet that includes brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms helps support healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and overall well-being.
Feed small portions once or twice daily, providing only what the fish can consume within a few minutes.
Tank Mates
Red Tail Penguin Tetras make excellent community aquarium fish and can be housed with other peaceful freshwater species, including Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Rasboras, peaceful Gouramis, and small Plecos. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or predatory fish.
Why Choose Red Tail Penguin Tetras?
The Red Tail Penguin Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, peaceful, and visually interesting schooling fish. Its distinctive black stripe, subtle red tail coloration, and active swimming behavior create a lively display in planted and community aquariums. Whether you're setting up a new tropical fish tank or adding variety to an established aquarium, Red Tail Penguin Tetras are a beautiful and rewarding addition.

