Cochu's blue tetra

For other uses, see Blue tetra (disambiguation).

Boehlkea fredcochui, also known as the Cochu's blue tetra is a species of characin. Its natural range is in the Amazon Basin. It is commonly kept as an aquarium fish.^[1][2]

Cochu's blue tetra
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Stevardiidae
Genus:	Boehlkea
Species:	B. fredcochui
Binomial name
Boehlkea fredcochui Géry, 1966

The fish is named in honor of tropical fish importer Ferdinand (Fred) Cochu of the Paramount Aquarium, who introduced this species to the aquarium hobby around 1956.^[3]

Aquarium care

Boehlkea fredcochui, Male and Female

Growing to a maximum length of 5.5 cm (2.2 in) in total length, The Blue tetra has a blue and pink colour, The temperature preference to about 22–27 °C (71.6–80.6 °F) and the pH preference is 6 to 7.5 pH. The hardness preference is about Soft to medium (less than 15ºd), and the salinity preference is No salt. The compatibility is Generally peaceful, may nip fins during feeding or when stressed. Its lifespan is typically 2 to 3 years. Ease of keeping is easy, and the ease of breeding is very hard.

As for other schooling characins, the cochu's blue tetra should always be kept in groups of at least six. A very active fish, it requires open areas in which to swim and is best kept in aquariums 90 cm (35 in) or larger. Aggression is generally limited to conspecifics in appropriate setups, but they may harass other fish in too small a tank, or without enough other tetras.

Spawning may occur in home setups, with the eggs being scattered over fine leafed plants. Soft, acidic water is required for hatching to occur. Males may be differentiated from females by their slimmer, more streamlined form and more intense colouration.