Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Rainbow Emperor Tetra is endemic to the San Juan river basin of Colombia. Most Emperor tetra available within the aquarium trade are captive or commerically produced. A relatively hardy although uncommon Emperor species, Rainbow Emperor tetra are a beautiful fish that add a pleasing aesthetic to the diversity of the aquarium. Males get a blue bar with a gorgeous spectrum purple-red-pink-green 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. Lastly, males will tend to have redish eye color while females are 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 Rainbow Emperor tetra is sometimes confused with the more common Emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) when young, but as adults the color difference is obvious especially in mature males. An adult Rainbow Emperor tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Rainbow 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 Rainbow Emperor tetra. Rainbow 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, Rainbow 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.