Easy
Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
£2.99
Active red-and-blue Colombian Tetra for roomy community aquariums. Keep a proper shoal, use stable warm water, and order with Live Arrival Guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Red-Blue Colombian Tetra are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
Active red-and-blue Colombian Tetra for roomy community aquariums. Keep a proper shoal, use stable warm water, and order with Live Arrival Guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Red-Blue Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a bright, active South American shoaling tetra for roomy community aquariums. It has a silver-blue body, red fins and a confident midwater swimming style that suits planted tanks with open space.
This fish is still sometimes searched for as Red-Blue Columbian Tetra, and older supplier lists may use Moenkhausia columbiana. For care and identification, use the current name Hyphessobrycon columbianus.
| Scientific name | Hyphessobrycon columbianus |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Colombian Tetra, Red-Blue Colombian Tetra, older trade name Moenkhausia columbiana |
| Adult size | About 6 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 120 litres or larger |
| Group size | 6 minimum; 8+ preferred |
| Temperature | 24-28C |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active and best in a shoal |
| Diet | Quality flakes, micro pellets and small frozen or live foods |
Give this tetra a mature aquarium with stable warm water, steady filtration and plenty of swimming room. Plants, wood and darker background areas help the blue sheen and red fin colour stand out, but the centre of the tank should stay open enough for the group to move together.
Although it is hardy once settled, it is larger and more energetic than small nano tetras. A cramped aquarium can make the group restless, so plan the tank around adult size rather than the sale size.
Red-Blue Colombian Tetras are lively shoaling fish. They usually work well with similar sized peaceful community fish, Corydoras, rainbowfish, peaceful barbs and many other medium tetras.
Avoid very small fish, tiny shrimp, delicate slow long-finned fish and large predators. The species is not aggressive in the usual sense, but it is bold and fast at feeding time, so tank mates should be able to compete calmly.
Feed a varied omnivore diet. Use quality flake or small pellets as the daily base, then add daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm or similar small frozen and live foods as rotation treats. Small portions keep water quality stable and help the shoal stay active without overfeeding.
We send live fish with suitable insulation and a licensed live-animal courier route. Use WELCOME10 on your first order where eligible, and order with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Acclimate slowly, keep the lights low after arrival, and avoid heavy feeding on the first day.
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