Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) – 3.5–4 inches

🐠 Species Overview

The Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a peaceful and elegant freshwater fish native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Colombia. Males exhibit striking colors with a bluish-green body, long flowing fins, and a bright yellow or red stripe along the dorsal fin, while females are slightly smaller and less colorful. Emperor Tetras are schooling fish that show their best behavior and coloration when kept in groups of 6 or more.

🏡 Aquarium Setup & Care Instructions

Tank Size & Environment

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small school.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand to mimic natural riverbeds.

• Decor: Heavily planted tanks with driftwood, rocks, and floating plants provide hiding spots and soft lighting.

• Water Parameters: Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration with minimal current to maintain clean water without stressing the fish.

Behavior & Tankmates

• Peaceful and social; best kept in schools of at least 6.

• Compatible with other small, non-aggressive fish such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, and small rasboras.

Diet

• Omnivorous; feed a variety of high-quality flake foods, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.