Family: Characidae
Distribution: Thayeria obliqua, sometimes called the Penguinfish, is a pelagic freshwater species found in the middle Tocantins, Guapore and middle Amazon basins, in South America. It is mostly distributed in grassy brooks and creeks, particularly those with plenty of algae and vegetation.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 20°C – 28C (68 – 82F)
Hardness: 2 – 15 dH
Description: Thayeria obliqua can reach a maximum length of 8 cm in an aquarium. It has an elongated body shape and a brown to golden colouration. There is a black stripe that goes from behind the dorsal fin to the lower flank of its tail; its other fins are transparent. It also has an impressive golden stripe that runs from the gills to the base of its tail. It usually swims in a tail-down position.
Diet: The Penguinfish will eat most frozen, live and frozen foods in an aquarium environment. It can probably be given small, regular meals of bloodworm, Artemia, Daphnia, brine shrimp and flake.
Breeding: Thayeria obliqua breeds in a similar fashion to Thayeria boehlkea. You should probably lower the water level when attempt to spawn this species, perhaps to a level of 15 – 20 cm. The brown eggs will hatch within one day; the fry can be raised upon nauplii, powered foods and brine shrimp.
Comments: A small group of Thayeria obliqua can be housed in a 30 gallon tank. This species will need plenty of hiding spots, so fill your tank with plants, roots, rocks, stones and branches. You should also give Thayeria obliqua plenty of swimming space for. The Penguinfish will require heavily oxygenated water to be at its best, and it is recommended you conduct frequent water changes. This fish is recommended to beginners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful schooling fish is suited to a community tank, although you must keep it in groups of around 6 – 10. They will live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 21:26:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
