Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Black Emperor Tetra is endemic to the San Juan and Atrato river basins of Colombia. Most Emperor tetra available within the aquarium trade are captive or commercially produced. A relatively hardy and inexpensive species, Emperor tetra are a beautiful fish that add a pleasing aesthetic to the diversity of the aquarium. Males get a purple-blue color in their bodies with a very dark black band that runs the length of their body. With maturation, males will also develop filaments on their caudal and dorsal fins which females lack. Finally, males have a bright blue iris while in females it is green. These tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. Multiple males can be kept in a group, but expect some sparring between them. The Emperor tetra is sometimes confused with the Kerri Tetra, also called the Purple or Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), but this species is in a different genus, stays smaller and males do not develop filaments on their fins. An adult Emperor tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Emperor tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Emperor tetra. Emperor tetra should be added into a biologically established aquarium. Aquascaping the aquarium with live plants, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this fish and provide them with security. In too sparsely decorated of a tank, Blue emperor tetra will appear more washed out. Given their peaceful temperament, Emperor tetra cannot compete with overly boisterous species and will thrive best in an environment with like tank mates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 3/4” to 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.