Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackline penguinfish (Thayeria boehlkei) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The penguin tetra is a small, popular aquarium characin from the Amazon basin of South America. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a striking black band running from the head into the lower tail lobe. This marking and its oblique swimming posture make it resemble a penguin, giving it its name. It schools in slow, weedy water and feeds on small plankton and insects. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackline penguinfish?
The Blackline penguinfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Black band extending into the lower caudal lobe; oblique 'penguin' swimming posture
Where does the Blackline penguinfish live?
The Blackline penguinfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Amazon basin
How big does the Blackline penguinfish get?
The Blackline penguinfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Blackline penguinfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackline penguinfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blackline penguinfish edible?
The Blackline penguinfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thayeria
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackline penguinfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackline penguinfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.