EMPEROR Tetra

The Emperor Tetra is an attractive addition to a community tank that’s not only handsome, it’s an iridescent species with impressive reflective rainbow hues.  It’s also a peaceful and hardy fish in a mixed community of South American freshwater fish. Min Tank Size: 40 litres.  Adult size: 5cm.

They are native to the freshwater Atrato and San Juan River basins of Colombia in South America. They frequent areas that are slow-moving, such as small tributaries and streams,

Behaviour

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. It is also a peaceful species, and thus ideal for a relatively small community tank though it will be disturbed by more boisterous species.

Tank Conditions

Emperors favor dense vegetation and subdued lighting that mimics the Colombian rivers from which they originate. Dark substrate and a heavily planted tank will go far to make them feel at home; these also provide a gorgeous backdrop to this species’ brilliant colors.

Although peat filtration is recommended, they will thrive in even moderately hard water as long as it is changed frequently to maintain purity. These fish prefer quiet habitats and should only be kept with other peaceful species that share similar water requirements.

Compatibility

Some compatible species include danios, rasboras, other tetras, and peaceful catfish species such as Corydoras or smaller Loricariids. Pencil fish and dwarf cichlids are also good choices, especially as they hail from the same general region. You may want to choose species that contrast visually with the colorful emperor tetra to create a palette that pleases the eye.

Feeding

In the wild, the emperor tetra feeds mainly on worms and crustaceans. Undemanding in terms of their diet, captive emperor tetras will readily accept flake foods, freeze-dried foods, and frozen foods. Live foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp are especially relished and are excellent when conditioning breeding pairs.

Care

Although peat filtration is recommended, they will thrive in even moderately hard water as long as it is changed frequently to maintain purity. These fish prefer quiet habitats and should only be kept with other peaceful species that share similar water requirements.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.