Cochu's Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)
| Cochu's Blue Tetra Boehlkea fredcochui | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Cochu's Blue Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Boehlkea fredcochui |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 cm / 54 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Blue Perusal is tributaries of the Rio Maranon in Peru. Slow flowing streams in densely forested areas, with clear water and dense, overhanging riparian vegetation are their habitat.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also eaten in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Dry food, such as flake and granulated food is also well accepted. In addition, they occasionally require vegetable food, such as crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables, or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).
A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are swimming, peaceful fish, which are well suited for any community tank with not too large fish. Males defend at least occasionally territories against conspecifics. It is recommended to keep at least 5, but better much more Blue Perusal Tetras together, whereby the number of females should predominate. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be kept together.
Sex dimorphism
The males are more slender than the more rounded appearing females.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Feeding plant food reduces the risk of fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF