A filter will also be needed to ensure the quality of water is suitable, though make sure to ensure there is no strong current as Emperor Tetras are not adapted to these conditions. Other plants, including floating ones to give the tank depth, leaves and driftwood would add to the tank, although it is important to make sure that they still have plenty of room to swim and that they will not get caught or injured, making a larger tank more appealing for some people.

Dark substrate may be used to mimic the seabed in the rivers, though any substrate would tend to work due to the lack of light. Similar to their natural environment in Western Columbia, Emperor Tetras prefer dimmer lighting with a significant amount of vegetation to allow for hiding places and shelter, reflecting the conditions of the wild. If they are a small group along with other species and groups, the individual situation should be considered of the other individual fish’ requirements. A small group of around 5 fish would be happy in a tank of 10 gallons, but larger groups would need upwards of at least 20 gallons to thrive. The tank size for Emperor Tetras will strongly depend on how many are in a group or if they are being housed as part of a larger aquarium. Other factors such as how the tank is set up and their tank mates may also contribute to other issues such as stress which may shorten their lifespan. Exposure to contagious diseases within an aquarium will significantly reduce their lifespan, especially if not treated quickly and properly. LifespanĮmperor Tetras tend to live up to around 6 years on average, varying for each individual fish and will depend strongly on their tank conditions, diet and treatment. They are not picky over food, but they are an omnivorous species, so both meat and vegetables should make up parts of their diet. Food & DietĮmperor Tetras diets are very varied but most usually consists of worms and crustaceans, along with a wide range of other foods such as flakes, pellets, and occasionally bloodworms, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. Their size also allows for a slightly smaller tank which makes them more accessible to those with a slightly smaller budget or lack of means for a large tank. Their small size makes them perfect for an aquarium and although they are not a schooling species, they stick together, especially in larger groups and are known to swim in some beautiful formations. Emperor Tetra SizeĮmperor Tetras are a fairly small species of fish, with males growing up to around 4.5cm while females are marginally smaller, growing up to 4cm.

It is important to test the water often and monitor the pH as it can change with the introduction or decomposition of plants in the water. This factor is important to keep stable and correct as a lack of control may lead to damaging health issues as it influences the water chemistry. The water pH for the Emperor Tetras tanks should be between 5 and 7 which tends to be slightly acidic. It is best to keep the temperature constant as the fish will adapt to this more over time and large fluctuations may cause adverse effects on their health.

Water temperature can be controlled naturally by monitoring the direct light the tank is exposed to, any nearby heaters or fans, or a chiller. TemperatureĮmperor Tetras will be content in temperatures between 23☌ and 27☌, though it is best to stick in the middle of this range as it will ensure their health and will help them to thrive. The ease of care makes them and easy species for an aquarium as there are more species that will share their range of conditions in terms of water pH, temperature and setup. Emperor TetraĪs mentioned previously, Emperor Tetras are an easy species to take care of, they will thrive in just simple conditions, though you should still take care to ensure that all of their requirements are met and that they stay happy and healthy. Being low-maintenance and a peaceful species, they are a great choice for beginners who are just starting their aquarium journey! They can also be kept with a range of species, numbers and size making them appealing to those with many setups, whether it be a large community or just a pair. They have lean, elegant bodies with a dark blue coloured line along their side while the rest of their body is a blueish grey. Happens naturally and often, but can be influencedĬommon fish diseases that affect most species such as Ich and other infectionsĮmperor Tetras, or Nematobrycon palmeri, is a species of characid fish which can be found in Western Columbia, more specifically the rivers of San Juan. Most other species of a similar size and temperament Minimum of 10 gallons, varies through number of individual fish and potential other species

Emperor tetra