Blue Tetra

Boehlkea fredcochui, the Blue Tetra or Cochu's Blue Tetra, is a subtly magnificent small characid native to the upper Amazon and its blackwater tributaries in Peru. The entire body displays a striking blue metallic iridescence that intensifies under side-lighting, shifting from steel blue to turquoise depending on the viewing angle. Females tend to be slightly plumper when in breeding condition, but both sexes share the beautiful metallic coloration. The Blue Tetra is less commonly available in the hobby than species like the neon tetra, but it is a rewarding find for aquarists seeking something distinctive. It inhabits slow-moving, tannin-rich blackwater environments where water is soft, acidic, and heavily stained. In captivity, it adapts reasonably well to neutral water but colors best and thrives most in soft, acidic conditions that replicate its natural habitat. The Blue Tetra is peaceful and undemanding, making it suitable for nano to medium planted aquariums. A school of 8 or more produces the best display, with the collective blue shimmer creating a captivating visual effect in a well-planted setup with dark substrate.