What size tank do penguin tetras need?
At least 18 gallons (68 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Thayeria boehlkei.
How many penguin tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if penguin tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many penguin tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 14 |
| 29 gallon | up to 20 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 28 |
| 55 gallon | up to 39 |
| 75 gallon | up to 53 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check penguin tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, penguin tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for penguin tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Thick-lipped gourami
- Glowlight danio
- Bandit corydoras
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Bronze corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Bloodfin tetra
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as penguin tetra.
Questions and answers
What size tank do penguin tetras need?
At least 18 gallons (68 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many penguin tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Penguin tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 10 or more is better if the tank has room.
Can penguin tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Penguin tetra needs at least 18 gallons (68 liters).
What temperature do penguin tetras need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 5.5–8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can penguin tetras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 18 gallons (68 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Assassin snail
- African dwarf frog
- Flame tetra
- Red-eye tetra
- Head-and-tail-light tetra
- Pearl danio
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.