The Penguin Tetra originates from streams in Brazil. It is also know as the Penguin Fish and the Hockey Stick Tetra. It is predominantly white or olive with a thick black band running down the lateral line and into the lower half of the tail fin. The belly is silvery. The penguin gets its name from the fact that it swims in a partly upright position instead of the horizontal pattern typical of most fish.

Penguins are a good beginner fish as they are quite hardy and peaceful, though they will nip at the fins of slow moving tank mates. A dark substrate with bushy plants is recommended. Groups of 6 or more are best. The penguin eats standard flake foods and will enjoy the occasional live brine shrimp.

Feed Penguins live foods to bring on spawning. The females will be larger than the males. Combining several males and females is the best way to ensure a mating pair are combined. The tank bottom can be covered in java moss to catch the eggs. The female will release hundreds of eggs and these will hatch within 24 hours. The parents should be removed after spawning. The fry should be fed brine shrimp.

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