Kerri Tetra - Blue Emperor 3.5cm

Blue Emperor - Kerri Tetra

The name of this tetra clearly shows its majestic nature, the emperor tetra is a true underrated gem. Everything about the emperor tetra from its grace when swimming to the fantastic contrast yet simple colours make this a great fish for any community or tetra themed aquarium.

The emperor tetra steals the show with its unique bulkier body 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. The body colour of the emperor tetra is an earthy purple tone which is overlaid with a stellar blue sheen. This gets especially pronounced towards the tail end which just captures and reflects light amazingly. The also have a jet-black horizontal bar which travels all the way from their eye to tail and to tie everything together. The mesmerising colours and natural streamer like fins makes 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, but they are still active in their own regard.

These tetras also grow 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 quite possible and often happens naturally with no triggers in the right environment. Females tend to be rounder bellied than males and will scatter eggs through the aquarium which males follow by fertilising. The wild origin of emperor tetra is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Blue Emperor - Kerri 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 70 litres. 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 well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. Emperor tetras are a soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6.0

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, glow light 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 which 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 which may prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Blue Emperor - Kerri tetra

Kerri 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 even live foods like baby brine shrimp.