Blue King Tetra

Introduction

The Blue King Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui) is a stunning freshwater fish known for its shimmering blue coloration and energetic swimming behavior. Native to the clear and slow-moving waters of South America, particularly in Peru, this species is a favorite among aquarium hobbyists due to its striking appearance and active nature. Blue King Tetras thrive in well-planted community tanks and display their best colors when kept in schools.

Scientific Name

Boehlkea fredcochui

Common Name

Blue King Tetra

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) to replicate their natural environment.
• pH Level: Ideal pH levels range from 6.0 to 7.5, reflecting the slightly acidic to neutral waters of their habitat.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4 to 12 dGH) is best for Blue King Tetras.
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system with moderate water flow helps maintain clean and oxygenated water.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep water parameters stable.

Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous
• Flake and Pellet Foods: Offer high-quality tropical fish flakes or micro pellets as a staple diet.
• Live and Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and tubifex worms for added protein and variety.
• Vegetable Matter: Occasionally provide blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods to promote balanced nutrition.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times per day in small amounts that they can consume within a couple of minutes.

Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Blue King Tetras are peaceful and do well with other small, non-aggressive fish such as other tetras, rasboras, corydoras, gouramis, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid: Avoid housing them with large, aggressive fish that may see them as food. Fin-nipping species should also be avoided.
• Schooling Behavior: These tetras are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: A dark sand or fine gravel substrate helps enhance their vibrant blue coloration.
• Tank Design: Include driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter to mimic their natural environment.
• Plants: Well-planted tanks with floating and background plants like Amazon swords, java ferns, and anubias create a comfortable habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate to dim lighting brings out their best colors and keeps them comfortable.

Suitable Plants

Blue King Tetras enjoy a well-planted environment with a mix of floating and rooted plants such as:

• Amazon swords (Echinodorus spp.)
• Java ferns (Microsorum pteropus)
• Anubias (Anubias spp.)
• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
• Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides)

Sexing

• Males vs. Females: Males tend to be slightly slimmer and more colorful, while females are generally rounder, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Blue King Tetras are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care.
• Spawning Conditions: To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH around 6.5) and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
• Egg Care: After spawning, remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs hatch within 24-48 hours, and fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed fish food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: Blue King Tetras grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 3-5 years.

General Information

The Blue King Tetra is a striking and active species that adds movement and color to a community aquarium. Their peaceful temperament and schooling nature make them a great choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Keeping them in a well-maintained tank with good water quality ensures they display their vibrant blue hues to the fullest.

A Fun Fact

Unlike many other tetra species, the Blue King Tetra stands out due to its striking iridescent blue coloration, which intensifies under dim lighting and against dark backgrounds. In a well-planted aquarium, their shimmering blue bodies create a mesmerizing visual effect as they swim in synchronized schools.