Description
Cochu’s Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)
Overview
Boehlkea fredcochui, commonly known as the Blue Tetra or Cochu’s Blue Tetra, is a vibrant, small freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin in South America, including regions in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. Characterized by its shimmering blue colouration with a pastel blue midline and occasional pink hues, this tetra is a striking addition to community aquariums. It is an active, schooling species that is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists, though its occasional fin-nipping behaviour requires careful tankmate selection.
Care Requirements
Tank Size:
Minimum 75 liters for a school of 6–8 fish; larger tanks (100L+) are preferred to accommodate their active swimming nature.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
- Prefers slightly acidic, clear water with moderate flow, mimicking their natural riverine habitat.
Aquarium Setup:
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, ideally dark to enhance their iridescent colours.
- Decor: Dense vegetation (e.g., Java moss, Amazon sword) with open swimming spaces. Include driftwood and floating plants (e.g., Salvinia) to diffuse light and create a natural, subdued environment.
- Filtration: Gentle filtration, such as sponge or low-flow canister filters, to maintain water quality without strong currents.
- Lighting: Dim lighting to mimic their natural habitat and highlight their colours. Avoid bright, glaring lights.
- Cover: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as Blue Tetras are known jumpers.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: Perform 10–25% water changes weekly or 25% biweekly to keep nitrate levels below 50 mg/L and maintain water quality. Use dechlorinated water to remove chlorine and chloramine.
- Tank Cleaning: Lightly vacuum substrate to remove debris, preserving some organic matter to mimic their natural environment. Clean glass and decorations as needed.
- Equipment Checks: Regularly inspect filters, heaters, and thermometers to ensure stable conditions. Monitor for ammonia spikes, as clear water does not guarantee low ammonia levels.
- Monitoring: Check for signs of stress (e.g., faded colours, erratic swimming) and test water parameters weekly to ensure stability.
Diet
- Primary Food: Omnivorous with a slight carnivorous tendency, Blue Tetras accept a variety of foods.
- Recommended Foods:
- High-quality micro-pellets or flake foods with plant content for balanced nutrition.
- Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms (chopped for their small mouths), and mosquito larvae.
- Occasional vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched greens.
- Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within minutes to avoid water pollution. They typically feed in the water column and may not eat food that sinks to the bottom.
- Note: A varied diet enhances their vibrant colouration and overall health.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour:
Blue Tetras are active, schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6–8 or more, reducing stress and fin-nipping tendencies. They are generally peaceful but may nip fins of slow-moving or long-finned fish, especially in cramped conditions or during feeding.
Compatibility:
- Compatible Tankmates: Other peaceful, small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Black Neon Tetras), rasboras, corydoras, and small, non-aggressive fish.
- Incompatible Tankmates: Avoid large, aggressive, or predatory fish (e.g., cichlids) and slow-moving, long-finned fish (e.g., guppies, bettas) due to potential fin-nipping.
- Note: Larger groups and spacious tanks minimize aggression. They are mid-level swimmers, often hiding among plants at night.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding in Captivity: Difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums due to specific requirements and lack of parental care. No confirmed reports of consistent breeding exist.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
