The Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a peaceful and elegant freshwater fish known for its striking metallic blue body and orange fins. It is a schooling species that adds vibrant color to community aquariums.
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The Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a peaceful and elegant freshwater fish known for its striking metallic blue body and orange fins. It is a schooling species that adds vibrant color to community aquariums.
Slender, metallic blue body with bright orange dorsal, anal, and tail fins. Adults reach up to 2.5 inches (6 cm). Males often display slightly brighter coloration and more elongated fins than females.
4–6 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Emperor Tetras are visually stunning, peaceful, and lively. Their metallic blue and orange coloration, combined with schooling behavior, make them an attractive addition to any planted or community aquarium.
Moderate — hardy if kept in proper schools and stable water conditions.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
2–12 dGH
74–80°F (23–27°C)
2.5 inches (6 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, small livebearers, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful shrimp/snails.
Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may harass or eat them.
Nematobrycon palmeri
Characidae
Rivers of Colombia, South America
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a balanced diet of flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods to enhance coloration and overall health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent predation of eggs.
Requires a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5, temperature 76–80°F / 24–27°C). Use fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, fry become free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed fry initially with infusoria and gradually transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or if kept in insufficient school sizes.
Peaceful, schooling fish suitable for community tanks
Peaceful and active schooling fish. Prefers mid-to-upper levels of the tank and enjoys open swimming areas with plant cover. Schooling reduces stress and encourages natural behavior.
Native to the rivers of Colombia, South America, the Emperor Tetra is admired for its brilliant coloration and calm nature. Best kept in schools of 6 or more, it thrives in planted aquariums with moderate lighting and gentle water flow. This species is hardy and suitable for both beginner and intermediate aquarists, provided stable water parameters are maintained.