Cochus Blue Tetra 3cm

Cochus Blue Tetra

For aquarists looking to add a simple, small, and stunning tetra to a planted aquascape or nano aquarium, the Cochus blue tetra would be a perfect consideration. These are extremely underrated schooling fish that tend to be overshadowed by the more common rummy nose or neon tetra; however, for a unique and common addition, this would be a great go-to species.

The best way to imagine a cochus blue tetra is to picture a cardinal tetra with no red and all blue. Though these fish don’t have a striking neon blue colouration, their more sparkling power blue is stunning in its very own league. This sort of natural blue colour is something that is hardly ever seen in aquarium fish unless they have been selectively bred. The body color of the Cochus blue tetra tends to be a pale grey, with a layer of sparkling blue. Because the actual fish is semi-translucent, the blue shine really does look like it has been painted over the fish. These tropical fish only reach a maximum size of 5cm which makes them perfect for a desktop planted tank or even a massive community tank where these fish can be the main school.

Breeding these fish in captivity is possible; however, it is fairly uncommon since these fish are not overly popular amongst the general aquarist base. However, in a breeding setting, females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilising. This can be done in a small 40-liter aquarium with an abundance of Java moss or spawning mops. The parent fish should be fed with a lot of micro live or frozen foods to get them into breeding conditions. After being placed in the spawning tank, the parents can be removed after 48 hours, as this is ample time for them to lay eggs.

Tank Recommendations for your Cochus Blue Tetra

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish, the Cochus blue tetra can be kept in smaller aquariums with a minimum being 75 litres. This aquarium size allows for a decent school of these tetras, along with other community fish if required. Cochus tetras would also look equally amazing in large schools of 20 or more in a larger aquarium setting, which really highlights their shoaling behaviour. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish, as well as a lot of plant growth, which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The cochus tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression. They can be kept with a wide range of fish, being top, bottom, and mid-dwelling fish.

Usually Compatible

Discus, Angelfish, glow light tetras, neon tetras, Apistogramma, rams, and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish. 

Sometimes Compatible

Cochus blue tetras can be a relatively slow fish, so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food, such as Uaru, Mascara barbs, and similar species. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, and larger-mouthed community fish may pester or prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Cochus Blue Tetra

Cochus blue tetras are very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of tetra fish foods like pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish, though, they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms. They will also easily take ve foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.