Balloon Penguin Tetra - 2cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Thayeria boehlkei
• Common Name: Balloon Penguin Tetra (balloon-bodied variant of the standard Penguin Tetra)
• Adult Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6.5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years
• Habitat: Native to the Amazon River basin, particularly in Peru and Brazil; found in slow-moving streams and backwaters with dense vegetation and soft substrates

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a group of 6 or more)
• Ideal Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: 2 to 15 dGH
• Temperament: Peaceful and sociable; best kept in groups of at least 6 to encourage schooling and reduce stress; compatible with other peaceful community fish

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
• Diet: Accepts a variety of foods including high-quality flakes, micropellets, frozen or live foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms). Occasional veggie-based flakes or blanched vegetables help maintain health.

Appearance

• Coloration: Silvery body with a distinctive black stripe running from mid-body through the tail fin; the "balloon" variety has a more rounded, compact body shape than the standard Penguin Tetra
• Size: Slightly smaller than the wild type due to the balloon gene’s effect on body growth

Distinctive Features

• Unique Trait: Signature black diagonal line that extends through the lower half of the tail; balloon variant has a deeper, shorter body giving it a more "puffy" appearance
• Swimming Behavior: Characteristic upright, head-up swimming posture