Red Tail Penguin Tetra

The Red Tail Penguin Tetra (Thayeria sp. 'Rio Teles Pires') is a rare, peaceful, and striking freshwater schooling fish from Brazil. It features a crisp black side stripe, an iridescent green sheen, and a bright red tail. These fish grow to about 3 to 4 cm (1.5 to 1.8 inches) and are easy to keep in home aquariums.

Natural Habitat and Appearance

• Origin: Native to the Rio Teles Pires river basin in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
• Look: A silver body with a bold black horizontal line running down the middle and a vivid red caudal (tail) fin.
• Behavior: They swim actively in the middle and upper levels of the water, maintaining a slight diagonal posture characteristic of penguin tetras.

Aquarium Care and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 US gallons (75 liters) is required to support a proper school.
• Water Conditions: Maintain a temperature of 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5.
• Social Needs: These fish must be kept in a group (shoal) of 6 to 8 individuals or more to reduce stress and prevent minor fin nipping.
• Diet: Omnivorous; they readily accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods like baby brine shrimp.

Add the Red Tail Penguin Tetra to your aquarium today for a peaceful, vibrant addition to your aquatic community!