SIZE: To 3" (8 cm) SS: Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), Rainbow Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon lacortei) HAB: South America; the Rio San Juan and the Rio Atrata of the watershed of Western Columbia S: All TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). The peaceful disposition and adult size of 2 inches (5cm) of the Emperor Tetra makes them suitable tank mates for a wide range of tropical community fish species. The body of the fish is blue-gray with mauve tones, and it displays an almost iridescent sheen. Many aquarists mix and match tetra species to create an interesting, active, and aesthetically pleasing tank environment. They are tropical so a temp in the mid 70's F is recommended. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Save Money by Collecting Live Food For Your Fish, More Pet Fish Species and Further Research, Harlequin Rasbora (Red Rasbora) Fish Breed Profile, Black Ruby Barb (Purple-Headed Barb) Fish Species Profile, Flame Tetra (Von Rio Tetra) Fish Species Profile. They frequent areas that are slow-moving, such as small tributaries and streams, where the temperature ranges from 73 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep a tank-size of 15 gallons or more to fit six to seven fish species. See the image below. Emperor Tetra Tropical Fish Learn all about the Emperor Tetra's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Unlike many of the tetra species that have a unisex appearance, male and female emperor tetras are easy to differentiate. In the wild feeds on different insects, worms and larva. Habitat is Columbia. The lifespan in a tank is about 5 years. Undemanding in terms of their diet, captive emperor tetras will readily accept flake foods, freeze-dried foods, and frozen foods. The proctal fin has a black line and yellow edges. Each breeding pair should have their own breeding tank, as the males become quite aggressive when spawning. Common name: Blue Emperor Tetra, Purple Emperor Tetra, Royal Tetra, Regal Tetra Scientific name: Inpaichthys Kerri Average Adult Fish Size: 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm Place of Origin: Rio Aripuan and upper Rio Madeira basins, Brazil. A schooling fish, the emperor tetra does best in groups of five or six with a single alpha male, though it can thrive as a mated pair. Minimal length of a spawning tank for 1 male and 2-3 females is 60 cm. Although peat filtration is recommended, they will thrive in even moderately hard water as long as it is changed frequently to maintain purity. In a tank the fish isn’t demanding and it eats both dry and frozen feed, any artificial feed will also do. Get it free when you sign up for the Spruce Pets. It has a semi-transparent body with an orange-red line across its length. Average Emperor Tetra Size The average adult Emperor Tetra size is only around two inches in length, making this a rather small freshwater species. The fish is endemic (the kind that inhabits only in this specific area) of the river San Juan and Atrato. In addition to the regular two tone color on the body there is also an all black color morph. Also quite noticeable in the male is an extended ray in the middle of the caudal fin that gives the tail the appearance of a trident. As of 2014, the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) has insufficient data to determine the status of this species in its natural habitat in the wild; more research is needed. Typical Tank setup: Well planted with rocks and driftwood/bogwood. Equipment with medium size bio-foam filter. Males are brighter colored and their dorsals are longer and sharper, then the ones of the female. Blue fluke is a unique one, it has three-bladed shape which is formed by the fluke long central rays. If you're looking for an attractive addition to a community tank, the emperor tetra may be your ideal choice. This will allow for ease of cleaning as the fry (baby fish) develop. Separate the male and female from each other for a day or two, and condition with live foods prior to spawning attempts. Male max size is 7.5 cm (3 in) and female – 5 cm (2 in). Common name: Blue Emperor Tetra, Purple Emperor Tetra, Royal Tetra, Regal Tetra Scientific name: Inpaichthys Kerri Average Adult Fish Size: 1.5 inches / 3.8 cm Place of Origin: Rio Aripuan and upper Rio Madeira basins, Brazil. Emperor Tetra Lifespan and Size. The lifespan in a tank is about 5 years. Sergey is a founder and author of Meethepet.com. Emperors favor dense vegetation and subdued lighting that mimics the Colombian rivers from which they originate. The males are bigger than the females, but the females are thicker, especially around the belly; these are two of the primary ways to tell apart the male and female Emperor Tetra. A dark stripe runs horizontally from head to tail, and the body is lighter in color below the stripe. I like tetra fish. Therefore keeping tetras in a school significantly smooths such a behavior and switches them to dealing with species of their kind. These fish prefer quiet habitats and should only be kept with other peaceful species that share similar water requirements. A couple can be kept in a tank about 10 gallons capacity, but again, it’s more preferable to keep a school more than 6 fish in a tank not less than 20-40 gallons and the females should prevail. Emperor Tetra $ 0.60. While they are large enough to not be eaten by Angelfish, Gourami, smaller Catfish and Sharks species, they are also very peaceful and will not harm other smaller or delicate tank mates. 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