The Hockey Stick Tetra is a sleek and active schooling fish, named for its distinctive black stripe that runs diagonally along its body, resembling the shape of a hockey stick. Native to South America, this species is an excellent addition to peaceful community aquariums, offering constant movement and an attractive silver sheen. Their hardy nature and adaptability make them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Product Details
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Species: Thayeria boehlkei
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Common Names: Hockey Stick Tetra, Penguin Tetra
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Origin: South America (Amazon Basin, Peru, Brazil)
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Light Requirements: Low to Moderate
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Diet: Omnivorous (Eats both plant and animal matter)
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Maximum Size: 5 – 6 cm (2 – 2.5 inches)
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Temperament: Peaceful, Active Schooling Fish
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Care Level: Easy
Aquarium Setup
Hockey Stick Tetras thrive in a well-planted aquarium with open swimming space. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water and are best kept in groups of at least six, as this reduces stress and enhances their natural schooling behaviour. A minimum tank size of 75 litres (20 gallons) is recommended.
Adding driftwood and leaf litter can help mimic their natural habitat, while subdued lighting will bring out their best colours. A gentle water flow replicating river currents is ideal.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
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pH: 5.5 – 7.5
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Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
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Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
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Nitrates: <20 ppm
Growth and Maintenance
Hockey Stick Tetras are undemanding and adapt well to a range of conditions. A varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Regular water changes and good filtration help maintain water quality. As a mid-to-top-level swimmer, they bring lively movement to the upper part of the aquarium.
Care Tips
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Keep in a school of at least six for best behaviour and reduced stress.
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Provide a well-planted environment with some open swimming areas.
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Offer a varied diet to enhance colour and vitality.
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Maintain stable water conditions with regular maintenance.
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Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Compatibility
Hockey Stick Tetras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish, such as:
Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish that may see them as food, such as large Cichlids.
Availability
The Hockey Stick Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Contact us for availability and bring this energetic and striking species into your aquarium today.
Disclaimer: Due to variations within species and age, your fish may not look identical to the image provided.
