Blue King Tetra (Cochu's Blue Tetra) (Boehlkea fredcochui)

Description

Blue King Tetra (Cochu's Blue Tetra) (Boehlkea fredcochui)

Brilliant, active and unmistakably eye-catching, the Blue King Tetra—also known as Cochu's Blue Tetra—is prized for its shimmering electric blue body and energetic schooling behaviour. This striking South American species brings vibrant colour and constant movement to larger planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Boehlkea fredcochui
  • Common name: Blue King Tetra, Cochu's Blue Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 90L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Active, peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want an active schooling fish with brilliant blue colouration.
  • You're creating a larger planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy lively mid-water activity.
  • You want an uncommon tetra that stands out from traditional species.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep slow-moving, long-finned fish that may be intimidated by active swimmers.
  • Your aquarium is too small for an energetic schooling species.
  • You have unstable water quality.

Why choose Blue King Tetras?

The Blue King Tetra is admired for its intense metallic blue body that glistens under aquarium lighting. Unlike many tetras that rely on coloured stripes, this species displays an almost full-body iridescent blue sheen that creates an impressive visual effect as the school moves through the aquarium.

Native to the rivers of the western Amazon Basin, Blue King Tetras thrive in mature aquariums with open swimming areas, driftwood and lush aquatic plants. Their energetic nature makes them constantly visible, adding movement and life to the middle levels of the aquarium.

When maintained in larger schools, they exhibit natural shoaling behaviour and become more confident while displaying their best colours.

Benefits

  • Brilliant metallic blue colouration
  • Active and engaging schooling behaviour
  • Unique alternative to traditional tetras
  • Excellent for larger planted aquariums
  • Hardy and adaptable
  • Creates impressive shimmering displays

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Spacious planted aquarium with driftwood and generous open swimming space
  • Keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and minimise territorial interactions.
  • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain their brilliant metallic blue colouration.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras sterbai
  • Black Neon Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Pearl Gouramis
  • Bristlenose Plecos
NTA Insight:
Blue King Tetras are at their best in spacious planted aquariums with dark substrates and high-quality LED lighting. Their metallic blue bodies reflect light from every angle, producing an almost electric shimmer as the school moves together. Groups of 12 or more create a spectacular display that immediately draws attention without overpowering the rest of the aquarium.

FAQ

How many Blue King Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools promote natural shoaling behaviour, reduce stress and produce a far more impressive display.

Are Blue King Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish, although they are more energetic than many tetra species. They are best kept with similarly active, peaceful tank mates.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide both dense planting for security and open areas for schooling.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature and straightforward care make them suitable for beginners, provided they are housed in an appropriately sized, established aquarium.

How long do Blue King Tetras live?

With excellent care, stable water conditions and a varied diet, Blue King Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Blue King Tetra (Cochu's Blue Tetra) (Boehlkea fredcochui)

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: AST23M

📍 In-Store Locations: TT34
📦 Arrival Date: 24 July 2026

3 in stock  

$7.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Blue King Tetra (Cochu's Blue Tetra) (Boehlkea fredcochui)

    Brilliant, active and unmistakably eye-catching, the Blue King Tetra—also known as Cochu's Blue Tetra—is prized for its shimmering electric blue body and energetic schooling behaviour. This striking South American species brings vibrant colour and constant movement to larger planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Boehlkea fredcochui
    • Common name: Blue King Tetra, Cochu's Blue Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 90L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Active, peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want an active schooling fish with brilliant blue colouration.
    • You're creating a larger planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy lively mid-water activity.
    • You want an uncommon tetra that stands out from traditional species.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep slow-moving, long-finned fish that may be intimidated by active swimmers.
    • Your aquarium is too small for an energetic schooling species.
    • You have unstable water quality.

    Why choose Blue King Tetras?

    The Blue King Tetra is admired for its intense metallic blue body that glistens under aquarium lighting. Unlike many tetras that rely on coloured stripes, this species displays an almost full-body iridescent blue sheen that creates an impressive visual effect as the school moves through the aquarium.

    Native to the rivers of the western Amazon Basin, Blue King Tetras thrive in mature aquariums with open swimming areas, driftwood and lush aquatic plants. Their energetic nature makes them constantly visible, adding movement and life to the middle levels of the aquarium.

    When maintained in larger schools, they exhibit natural shoaling behaviour and become more confident while displaying their best colours.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant metallic blue colouration
    • Active and engaging schooling behaviour
    • Unique alternative to traditional tetras
    • Excellent for larger planted aquariums
    • Hardy and adaptable
    • Creates impressive shimmering displays

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Spacious planted aquarium with driftwood and generous open swimming space
    • Keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and minimise territorial interactions.
    • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain their brilliant metallic blue colouration.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras sterbai
    • Black Neon Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Pearl Gouramis
    • Bristlenose Plecos
    NTA Insight:
    Blue King Tetras are at their best in spacious planted aquariums with dark substrates and high-quality LED lighting. Their metallic blue bodies reflect light from every angle, producing an almost electric shimmer as the school moves together. Groups of 12 or more create a spectacular display that immediately draws attention without overpowering the rest of the aquarium.

    FAQ

    How many Blue King Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools promote natural shoaling behaviour, reduce stress and produce a far more impressive display.

    Are Blue King Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish, although they are more energetic than many tetra species. They are best kept with similarly active, peaceful tank mates.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide both dense planting for security and open areas for schooling.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature and straightforward care make them suitable for beginners, provided they are housed in an appropriately sized, established aquarium.

    How long do Blue King Tetras live?

    With excellent care, stable water conditions and a varied diet, Blue King Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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