Description
Blue King Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Boehlkea fredcochui
Common Name: Blue King Tetra / Cochu’s Blue Tetra
Size: ~2 inches (5 cm)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Middle swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 80 – 200 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 23°C – 27°C (73°F – 81°F)
Water Type: Soft to moderately hard
🐟 Characteristics
Metallic blue body with silver shimmer
Active shoaling fish, slightly more boisterous than other tetras
Peaceful with right tank mates but can be nippy if in small groups
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily
🛠️ Maintenance
Weekly water change: 25–30%
Needs space for swimming → at least 20-gallon tank
Plant cover + open areas balance is ideal
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 6 (better in 10+)
Tank Mates: Medium peaceful fish – rasboras, larger tetras, corydoras
Avoid: Long-finned fish (can nip), very small nano species
✅ Do’s
Keep in larger shoals to reduce aggression
Provide space for swimming
Use subdued lighting to enhance colors
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep in very small tanks
Don’t keep with bettas or long-finned fish
Don’t keep in groups under 6 → they get aggressive
⭐ Quick Tips
A dazzling metallic-blue tetra, active and slightly bold. Best for medium community tanks.
