Teles Pires Red Fin Penguin Tetra
Teles Pires Red Fin Penguin Tetra
Teles Pires Red Fin Penguin Tetra (Thayeria sp. 'Teles Pires') is a locality form from the Rio Teles Pires drainage in Mato Grosso, Brazil — distinguished by particularly vivid red-orange fin coloration combined with the classic Thayeria oblique swimming posture and bold black lateral band. The 'penguin' name comes from the distinctive tail-down, head-up swimming angle characteristic of the genus.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the Rio Teles Pires, a tributary of the Rio Tapajós in Mato Grosso — soft, slightly acidic clearwater.
Keep in groups of at least 8. The oblique resting posture and synchronized schooling movement create a distinctive school unlike any other tetra.
An interesting locality variant with enhanced red fin coloration and the unmistakable penguin swimming posture.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Rio Teles Pires, Mato Grosso, Brazil |
| Notes | Teles Pires locality form — vivid red-orange fins. Oblique tail-down swimming posture. |
