Fin's Fish Guide
The Penguin tetra (Thayeria ifati) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Ifati penguin tetra is a small tetra from the Maroni and Approuague basins of French Guiana in South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark longitudinal stripe continuing into the lower tail lobe, characteristic of the penguin tetras, which therefore often hold an oblique, head-up posture. It forms schools in calm, shallow creeks with sandy and rocky bottoms. The fish is harmless to humans, popular in the aquarium trade and assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Penguin tetra?
The Penguin tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark stripe continues into the lower caudal lobe; often swims at an upward angle
Where does the Penguin tetra live?
The Penguin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. French Guiana
How big does the Penguin tetra get?
The Penguin tetra grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Penguin tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Penguin tetra 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 Penguin tetra edible?
The Penguin tetra 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 Penguin tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Penguin tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.