Half-striped Penguin Tetra
Thayeria ifati
The rarest penguin tetra, with a boldly defined tail stripe and colorful fin tips.
About
The half-striped penguin tetra (Thayeria ifati) is the least commonly encountered of the three Thayeria species, which is a shame because it's a genuinely attractive little fish with some features that set it apart from its better-known relatives. Like all members of the genus, it swims at a characteristic head-up angle that gives the group their penguin nickname. What distinguishes T. ifati visually is its black stripe: rather than running the full length of the body as it does in the popular T. boehlkei, here it's concentrated in the uppermost portion of the lower caudal lobe, sharply defined and extending above the lateral line past the dorsal fin. Fish in good condition also develop red-tipped dorsal and anal fins and amber-edged tail lobes. Details worth looking for when choosing specimens. In the wild, this species comes from the Maroni and Approuague river basins of French Guiana and Suriname, where it inhabits calm, shallow waters over sandy and rocky substrates. It's a peaceful schooling fish and one that rewards patience. Buy at least six, and ideally ten or more. Kept in good numbers, it settles well alongside other small South American species and poses little trouble to tankmates. A solid choice for a South American community setup.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Half-striped Penguin Tetra
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Half-striped Penguin Tetra get?
- The Half-striped Penguin Tetra reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Half-striped Penguin Tetra need?
- A minimum of 18 gallons is recommended for the Half-striped Penguin Tetra, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Half-striped Penguin Tetra need?
- The Half-striped Penguin Tetra does best with a temperature of 73–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–12 dGH.
- Is the Half-striped Penguin Tetra aggressive?
- The Half-striped Penguin Tetra is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.