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Definition of penguin tetra
penguin tetra
Plural:penguin tetras
penguin tetra Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A species of small, schooling freshwater fish (Thayeria boehlkei) belonging to the characin family, native to the Amazon basin in South America, and characterized by a bold black lateral stripe that extends into the lower lobe of the tail fin and a unique, head-up swimming posture.
Example
"The hobbyist decided to add a small school of penguin tetras to the community aquarium due to their peaceful nature and distinctive resting angle."
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name 'penguin tetra' derives from the fish's black and white contrasting markings and its unusual oblique, head-up swimming posture, which superficially resembles the upright stance of a penguin. 'Tetra' is derived from Tetragonopterus, a historic genus name for related characin fishes.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penguin tetra. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penguin tetra