Cochu's blue tetra

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.

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.

Aquarium care

 * Maximum length: 5.5 cm
 * Colors: Blue, pink
 * Temperature preference: 22-27 Celsius (71-80 Fahrenheit)
 * pH preference: 6 to 7.5
 * Hardness preference: Soft to medium (less than 15ºd)
 * Salinity preference: No salt
 * Compatibility: Generally peaceful, may nip fins during feeding or when stressed
 * Life span: Typically 2 to 3 years
 * Ease of keeping: Easy
 * Ease of breeding: Moderate to 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 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.