Emperor Tetra

Nematobrycon palmeri

Emperor Tetra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 3–9 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 3–9 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Emperor Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Emperor Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Colombia, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Emperor Tetra get?

Emperor Tetra reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Emperor Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Emperor Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Emperor Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Emperor Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Emperor Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Emperor Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.