Emperor Tetra 3cm

Emperor Tetra

The name of this tetra clearly shows its majestic nature, the emperor tetra is a truly underrated gem. Everything about the emperor tetra from its grace when swimming to the fantastic contrast yet simple colours makes this a great fish for any community or tetra-themed aquarium. The emperor tetra steals the show with its unique bulkier bodies shape, it features the length seen in species such as cardinal tetras but also has a deeper and rounded body which really makes it stand out.

Along with this, the emperor tetra has an almost gold undertone that hints at purple and stellar blue eyes. They also have a jet black horizontal bar that travels all the way from their eye to tail and to tie everything together there is a vibrant yellow that outlines the fish. The mesmerizing colours and natural streamer-like fins make this a fish that an aquarist can sit and watch for hours. Emperor tetras are mostly a shoaling species meaning they do not stick in extremely tight schools display an extremely active behavior.

These fish are best suited to a well-planted aquascape where they can really show off their grace amongst the plants to create a calming and serene environment. These tetras also grow fairly large making them great for slightly larger display aquariums as they max out at around 7-8 cm. Because of their community aquarium tolerance, they are also evidently extremely peaceful fish but feel best when kept in schools of 6 as a minimum but ideally, 10 or more would be perfect. breeding these fish in captivity is somewhat possible where females tend to be more rounder bellied than males. Females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilizing. The wild origin of emperor tetra is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Emperor Tetra

Being a decent sized and relatively easy to care for fish the Emperor tetra can be kept in an aquarium with the minimum being 20 gallons (75 liters). However, a larger size is always recommended for these fish due to their size. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. Emperor tetras are soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Emperor Tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression, they can be kept with a wide range of fish being top, bottom, and mid dweller fish. 

Usually Compatible

Discus, Angelfish, glowlight tetras, neon tetras, Apistogramma, rams, and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish.  

Sometimes Compatible

Due to their long flowing fins any fin nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food such as guppies, tiger barbs, or Roseline sharks

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, larger mouthed community fish may prey on the tetras and large cichlids.

Feeding your Bleeding Emperor Tetra

Emperor tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.