Cochu’s Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui), also known as the Blue King Tetra, is an excellent choice for many medium to large community aquariums, especially planted aquariums. It is one of the few freshwater aquarium fish that has bright blue coloration. In the case of Cochu’s Blue Tetra, most blue coloration is on the back half of an otherwise nearly transparent body. There is also often pink coloration at the base of the tail. Males are usually more vividly marked than females.
Cochu's Blue Tetras are active fish that prefer to inhabit the top and middle levels of the water column, but can also be found at the bottom. They are peaceful and can coexist with other fish as long as there is enough space in the aquarium. However, they may be aggressive towards slower-moving and long-finned fish, and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. They thrive in soft, acidic water with dark substrate.
Cochu's Blue Tetra is not a picky eater, as it will maintain its vibrancy and thrive with a diverse diet of protein-rich foods. Whether it's high-quality flake food, pellets, or frozen or freeze-dried tubifex and bloodworms, this fish will eagerly consume them all.
- Temperature: 72° - 82° F
- pH: 5.5 - 7.6
- KH: 5 - 12 dKH
- Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry and frozen foods.
- Social behavior: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.
- Average adult size: 2 inches (5 cm)
- Average purchase size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)