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I originally posted this question in General Freshwater, but I haven't gotten any replies in nearly two days

I'm interested in the penguin tetra Thayeria boehlkei. How tightly does the penguin tetra school? How active are they?

Thanx.

Don't have any personal experience to offer to you...
But still, I didn't want you to think you were being ignored.... Maybe these sites would help answer some of your questions:
http://www.timstropicals.com/Inventory/TetraLarge/index.asp

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=890

(I really have to figure out how to provide links!!! >.<

To thine own self be true...

Penguins can be fairly tight schoolers, particularly if there is something larger and 'predatory looking' in with them. However, one point to watch is that they're regarded, at least by some people here, as being fairly nippy. The potential for them to cause trouble with the wrong companions exists, so I would canvas more opinions and take notes on which combinations work and which don't

Oh, they like swimming space a-plenty because they're active. Give a decent sized shoal (10 or more) a nice long aquarium to zip up and down and they'll be happy. Might give you a facial tic watching them though!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Thanks for the links dreamweaver

If I get a school of these tetras they will most likely go in a 90 or 110 gal tank so they will have plenty of room to roam. I have a rainbow shark that may help keep them on edge and encourage schooling behavior.

I've seen them a couple of times at my LFS, but not in the last couple of months. I'll have to start watching for them and try to pick up a school the next time they are available. Hopefully I'll be able to get at least 10.