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Cochu’s Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui), also known as the Blue King Tetra, is an excellent choice for many medium to large community aquariums, especially planted aquariums. It is one of the few freshwater aquarium fish that has bright blue coloration. In the case of Cochu’s Blue Tetra, most blue coloration is on the back half of an otherwise nearly transparent body. There is also often pink coloration at the base of the tail. Males are usually more vividly marked than females.
Cochu’s Blue Tetras typically occupy the top and middle level of the water column, although they can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. This tetra is safe with most other peaceful fish, provided that there is plenty of space in the aquarium. It is extremely active, especially at feeding time, so it can be intimidating to slower-moving fish and it may nip at long-finned fish. This harassing behavior is much less likely in a larger aquarium. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. This fish could possibly be kept with adult dwarf shrimp, but we do not recommend it in most aquariums due to the extremely active nature of this tetra. Cochu’s Blue Tetra must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Since it is tank-bred, this fish is very adaptable, but its natural habitat contains soft, acidic water that is rich in tannins and leaf litter. Its colors will be brightest with dark substrate.
While not a picky eater, Cochu’s Blue Tetra will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried tubifex and bloodworms will all be readily accepted.
- Species – Boehlkea fredcochui
- Common Name – Blue Neon Tetra, Cochus Blue Tetra
- Origin – Brazil, Columbia, and Peru in South America
- Diet – Omnivore
- PH Range – Alkaline 6.5 – 7
- Temperature – Tropical 26-28°c
- Breed Type – egg scatterer
- Maximum Size – approximately 5cm
- Sex – Un-sexed
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Q: Can I return the item back?
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We do ship dry goods.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials
Clean bucket or container large enough
Airline tubing
Air pump (optional but recommended)
Adjustable valve or knot (to regulate the flow of water) or get a abquatics drip kit
Clean, dechlorinated water (ideally matching the temperature and pH of your tank)
Step 2: Set up the drip acclimation system
Fill a clean bucket or container with the clean, dechlorinated water.
Attach one end of the airline tubing to an air pump (if using) and place the other end inside the bucket. Make sure it reaches the bottom of the container.
Step 3: Start the drip
Open the bag containing the aquatic animals and carefully pour the entire contents into the bucket, including the water from the transport bag.
Start a siphon by sucking on the free end of the airline tubing or use a siphon starter. This will initiate a slow drip of water into the bucket.
Step 4: Adjust the drip rate
Use an adjustable valve or tie a knot in the airline tubing to regulate the drip rate. Aim for approximately 2-4 drips per second.
The slow drip helps gradually mix the water in the bucket with the water from the transport bag, preventing any sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 5: Monitor the process
Keep an eye on the acclimation process and periodically test the water parameters in the bucket using a test kit. This helps ensure a smooth transition.
Depending on the sensitivity of the animals and the water parameters involved, the acclimation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Step 6: Adjust water volume if needed
If the water volume in the bucket becomes too high, you can remove some water and continue the drip acclimation process with fresh, dechlorinated water. Be cautious not to remove too much water, as it can lead to sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 7: Transfer the animals to the tank
Once the acclimation process is complete, gently net the aquatic animals from the bucket and transfer them to the tank. Avoid adding the water from the acclimation container to the tank to prevent any potential contamination.
Step 8: Dispose of the acclimation water
After transferring the animals, discard the acclimation water from the bucket. Do not pour it directly into any drains or natural bodies of water.
By following these steps, you can safely and gradually acclimate your shrimp, snails, and fish to their new tank environment after transport. Remember, it's important to monitor the process closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth transition for your aquatic pets.