Penguin Tetra

Penguin Tetra

Facts - Information - Picture - Video

Profile of the Penguin Tetra
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Penguin Tetra species.

• Size: Up to 6cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 6.0 to 8.0. Temp 22 to 28 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Flaked or Dried Food, Frozen Bloodworms

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Habitat: Freshwater Streams and Rivers

• Behaviour: Good Community Fish

• Range: Amazon and Araguaia Rivers, Peru and Brazil. South America

Scientific Classification of the Penguin Tetra
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Thayeria boehlkei

• Popular Name: Penguin Tetra - Hockey Stick Tetra - Blackline Penguinfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Characiformes

• Family:Characidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Penguin Tetra?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist! The female Penguin Tetra has a more rounded body than the male.
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Penguin Tetra slimy?
Penguin Tetra secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Penguin Tetra to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Penguin Tetra have gills?
Gills enable the Penguin Tetra to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Penguin Tetra have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Penguin Tetra has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Penguin Tetra has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Penguin Tetra has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Penguin Tetra has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Penguin Tetra