| Cochu's blue tetra | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Boehlkea Géry, 1966 |
| Species: | B. fredcochui |
| Binomial name | |
| Boehlkea fredcochui Géry, 1966 |
|
The Cochu's blue tetra or blue tetra, Boehlkea fredcochui, is a species of characin. Its natural range is in the Amazon Basin. It is commonly kept as an aquarium fish.
As for other schooling characins, the blue tetra should always be kept in groups of at least 6. A very active fish, it requires open areas in which to swim and is best kept in aquariums 90 cm 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.