Family: Characidae
Distribution: Thayeria ifati, sometimes called the Half-striped Penguin Tetra, is a pelagic freshwater species found in the Maroni and Approuague River basins, French Guiana. It is distributed in sandy-bottomed creeks, lentic waters and shallow, calm areas.
PH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 23°C – 28C (74 – 82F)
Hardness: 4 – 12 dH
Description: Thayeria ifati, a tiny species, reaches a maximum length of 3.5 cm in an aquarium. It is the rarest species in the Thayeria genus. Adult females can be sexed thanks to a more rounded belly and a duller colouration to males.
Diet: The Half-striped Penguin Tetras will eat live food in nature, including crustaceans and zooplankton. In an aquarium it should be given small, regular meals of bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia, along with granules and dried flakes on occasions.
Breeding: There is not a great deal of information on the breeding habits of Thayeria ifati, given how rare the species is.
Comments: A small group of Thayeria ifati can be housed in a 70 litre tank. This species will appreciate a heavily planted tank with roots, rocks, stones and branches, along with a dark substrate. You could add some dried leaves to the tank to give it a more natural vibe. The Half-striped Penguin Tetra should be kept in a tank with dimmed lighting. This species is quite rare and is probably suited to those with experience in the hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: This chilled-out, peaceful species will not work well with large, aggressive tank mates. 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 Sterbai and 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 21:22:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
