Blue King Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)

Family: Characidae

Blue King Tetra — a Characidae from South America, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 4.1–5.9 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
4.1–5.9 cm
Minimum tank
42 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
South America

Species overview

A Characidae species native to South America: Boehlkea fredcochui lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Adults reach 4.1–5.9 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Small Corydoras.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
  • Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
  • Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops

Frequently asked questions

Is Blue King Tetra easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm.

What temperature and water chemistry does Blue King Tetra need?

Hold 22–26 °C and keep it stable — 22–26 °C recorded range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.

How big does Blue King Tetra get, and what tank size?

Expect 4.1–5.9 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 42 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Blue King Tetra eat?

Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Blue King Tetra live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks — pair it with Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully and skip Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.

Where does Blue King Tetra come from?

Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.

Does Blue King Tetra jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Blue King Tetra breed?

Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.