Cochu's Blue Tetra

Cochu's blue tetra is a slender tetra that shows an electric-blue sheen on its body depending on the angle of the light. Its color looks best in light coming from the side and in front of a dark background. Its name comes from Fred Cochu, who introduced the species to the hobby. It turns up in the trade only occasionally; it settles in well in a mature, soft-water aquarium.

• At least 80 liters and 80 cm length for a school of 8–12.
• 24–27°C, pH 6–7, soft water.
• Planted edges, a dark substrate and open swimming space; gentle flow.
• A mature aquarium and regular weekly water changes.

Omnivorous. Flakes, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms are suitable. Feed 1–2 meals a day, as much as is eaten within a few minutes.

An active schooling fish. In a large group it is usually trouble-free, but in small groups it is reported to pick at the fins of slow, long-finned species. It usually leaves adult shrimp alone.

Good companions: active tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf cichlids.

Avoid: long-finned fish such as bettas, fancy guppies and angelfish; large predators.