Our Guide To Keeping Red Tail Penguin Tetra Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Thayeria sp. 'Redfin Teles Pires'
   • Common name: Red Tail Penguin Tetra
   • Family: Acestrorhamphidae
   • Origin: Rio Teles Pires, Brazil, South America
   • Adult length: Up to around 6 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful shoaling fish, but may nip fins if kept in small numbers

2. Tank Setup:

   • Red Tail Penguin Tetras do best in a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and some planted or shaded areas for security. A minimum tank size of around 75L to 90L is recommended for a small group.
   • Use driftwood, darker substrate, and patches of planting or floating cover to help them feel secure and show their best colours.
   • They should be kept in groups of at least six, though larger groups are much better and help spread any minor aggression.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Red Tail Penguin Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 22 to 28°C.
   • Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Gentle to moderate filtration is ideal, with clean, stable, and well-oxygenated water.
   • A moderate water flow works well, but avoid excessive current in smaller aquariums.

5. Diet:

   • Red Tail Penguin Tetras are omnivores and will accept a varied diet of quality flake, micro pellet, and other small prepared foods.
   • Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and finely sized bloodworm to maintain condition and colour.

6. Tank mates:

   • Red Tail Penguin Tetras are generally peaceful and can be kept with other calm community fish of a similar size.
   • Suitable tank mates may include other peaceful tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive species.
   • Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish, as this species can become nippy when stressed or kept in too small a group.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Red Tail Penguin Tetras are active shoaling fish that spend much of their time in the upper and middle areas of the aquarium.
   • Unlike some other penguin tetras, this form is often described as swimming more horizontally rather than at a marked angle.
   • They are best suited to peaceful community aquariums with stable water quality and plenty of swimming room.