Blue Cochu Tetra

Blue Cochu Tetra – Vibrant and Active Schooling Fish for Community Aquariums

The Blue Cochu Tetra is a striking freshwater fish prized for its bright neon-blue coloration and energetic personality. Also known as Cochu’s Blue Tetra or Blue King Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui), this species stands out with intense blue tones across the back half of its mostly transparent body, often accented by soft pink coloration at the base of the tail. Males typically display more vivid markings than females, making a well-established school especially eye-catching.

Ideal for medium to large aquariums, the Blue Cochu Tetra brings constant motion and shimmer to planted and community tanks.

Appearance and Behavior

The Blue Cochu Tetra is one of the few freshwater fish with true blue coloration. Its reflective blue body contrasts beautifully against dark substrate and planted backgrounds, where its colors appear brightest.

This species is extremely active, especially during feeding time. While generally peaceful, its energetic swimming can intimidate slower fish. It may occasionally nip at long-finned species, particularly in smaller tanks. Keeping them in a spacious aquarium significantly reduces this behavior.

Blue Cochu Tetra must be kept in schools of at least six individuals to ensure natural behavior and reduce stress.

Tank Requirements for Blue Cochu Tetra

To maintain healthy and vibrant Blue Cochu Tetra, provide stable water conditions:

Temperature: 72° – 82° F (22.2° – 27.7° C)

pH: 5.5 – 7.6

KH: 5 – 12 dKH

Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons

Aquarium Type: Planted or community

Although tank-raised and adaptable, this species thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with tannins and leaf litter influence.

Feeding

The Blue Cochu Tetra thrives on a varied diet of meaty foods. While not picky, consistent high-quality nutrition enhances both health and coloration.

Recommended foods include:

High-quality flake food

Small pellets

Frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms

Tubifex worms

A balanced omnivorous diet keeps this species active and intensely colored.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

The Blue Cochu Tetra is peaceful with most non-aggressive fish when provided adequate space. Suitable tank mates include:

Other peaceful tetras

Rasboras

Corydoras catfish

Larger peaceful invertebrates

Due to its active nature, it is not ideal for tanks with delicate long-finned fish or small shrimp in most setups.

What We Like About the Blue Cochu Tetra

Bright neon blue coloration

Constant activity and movement

Excellent top-level swimmer

Ideal for planted community aquariums

The Blue Cochu Tetra is a dynamic and colorful addition to any properly sized community aquarium, offering both beauty and lively schooling behavior.