HOW TO CARE FOR PENGUIN TETRA

How to care for Penguin tetra

While tetra species and hybrids are not particularly well known for their personalities, however the unusual 'head-up' swimming position of penguin tetra gives them an addition point of interest as well as endowing them with a certain amount of character.

Like many other commonly-found aquarium tetra species. penguin tetra are native to small streams and rivers in the Amazon Basin in Peru, and the Araguaia river - one of the major rivers of Brazil. Yet despite their exotic origins have easily adapted to aquarium conditions.

How to care for penguin tetra

As you would expect, Penguin tetra will be happiest when kept in acidic, soft water (especially if you intend to breed them) however they have proven tolerant of a pH between 5.8-8.5. They will also require a temperature of between 64-82° F, and a KH 4-8.

Penguin tetra are known to be sensitive to levels of Ammonia, Nitrite and excessive concentrations of Nitrate, so make sure that your regular, partial water changes are indeed regular!

Penguin tetra are a schooling species and display nervous or stressful behaviour when kept in small groups or as individuals. They are best kept in peaceful community aquariums in shoals of at least 6, but preferably far more. Avoid keeping them with boisterous or aggressive fish species and provide plenty of cover, such as aquatic plants or bogwood, for hiding places should they become spooked.

This species will readily adapt to flake food, but to maintain optimum condition also provide freeze-dried, gamma-irradiated of live bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp etc, Avoid tubifex worms due to risk of infections.

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