Peruvian Blue Tetra Knodus Borki 2cm

Overview

The Peruvian Blue Tetra is a recently described, seldom seen characin with a slender silver body overlaid by a soft electric blue sheen that flashes as the shoal turns. It is a fast, constantly moving mid-water swimmer rather than a hoverer. It comes from the Ucayali region of Peru and suits an active soft to medium water community with room to swim.

• Adult Size: Around 5 cm (2 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Río Ucayali drainage near Pucallpa, Peruvian Amazon
• Habitat: Clear, flowing streams and rivers with submerged roots and plants

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; eats eagerly at all levels of the tank

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other active tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, small loaches
• Avoid: Large predators and very slow, long-finned fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and lively
• Territoriality: None

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs clean, well oxygenated water, steady flow and swimming space

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic
• Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres; a long tank suits this fast swimmer

Final Notes

This is an energetic fish that needs a long tank, good flow and oxygen-rich, well maintained water; it does poorly in cramped or stagnant setups. Keep eight or more so it shoals tightly and shows its blue against a dark background. It is an egg scatterer like other tetras, with rounder females. It is a jumper, so cover the tank. Unusual, hardy and a real talking point in a community.