Red Tail Penguin Tetra (Thayeria sp.)
To protect our animals and to ensure they get to our customers healthy, we will only ship orders with Nano Fish via UPS Next Day Air.
Red Tail Penguin Tetra is a captivating and relatively recent addition to the aquarium hobby, known for its distinctive markings that resemble a raccoon’s mask.
Like most Tetras, we recommend keeping these fish in groups of 3 or more for them to feel safe in a larger school. They will look especially stunning in a planted tank.
Our Tank Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-78°F |
| PH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Water Hardness | 2-8 dGH |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | below 40 ppm |
FAQ
What is the ideal group size for Red Tail Penguin Tetras?
We recommend keeping Red Tail Penguin Tetras in groups of 3 or more to ensure they feel safe and display their natural school behavior.
What type of tank setup works best for these fish?
They look especially stunning in a planted tank, where they can swim among the vegetation and feel more secure.
Are these fish easy to care for?
Yes, Red Tail Penguin Tetras are relatively easy to care for as long as they are introduced to a mature, cycled tank.

Megan Anderson –
I added a group of five Red Tail Penguin Tetras to my 10-gallon planted tank. They’ve been active and colorful since day one. The markings are very distinct and they swim together in a school. Water parameters stayed stable with minimal maintenance.
Paul Gray –
These fish are a great addition to a community tank. I kept them with other small tetras and they coexist peacefully. They don’t require much attention, and the tank looks vibrant with their unique coloring.
Elizabeth Lambert –
After introducing the fish to a cycled tank, they adapted quickly. I’ve kept them in a planted setup for three months now, and they’re still active and healthy. The school behavior is impressive.