Breeding False Penguin Tetra (Thayeria Boehlkei) In The Aquarium

Location

This fish lives in slow-moving and standing tributaries of Amazon River. It swims at the top of the water level.

Body description

Colour of the body is silvery-olive. There is a black, glowing stripe from gill cover to the top of the lower caudal lobe. There is almost no sexual dimorphism and it is difficult to distinguish the sex. Males are a bit smaller and thinner than females.

Temperament and behaviour

This species swims in a characteristic way – with the head kept aslant upward. In this way the fish may collect food from the water surface. These are quiet, peaceful, shoal fish which are very good jumpers. You may keep them in the general tank.

Aquarium decoration

This fish prefers aquarium with lot of plants and space to swim. Water should be clean and rich in oxygen.

Breeding

This is oviparous species. You should breed these fish in a separate tank. This fish spawn in small groups. Female lays eggs in the evening among water (up to 1000 eggs). The eggs hatch after 1 day. The fry starts to swim and feed 5 days later. The parents don’t take care and don't protect the offspring – they also eat the eggs. You should remove them after spawning. The roe is sensitive to light so the aquarium should be covered.