Emperor Tetra - Nematobrycon palmeri

Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

The Emperor Tetra is an elegant and peaceful freshwater schooling fish recognised for its elongated body, subtle blue to purple sheen and distinctive dark lateral stripe. Mature males can develop more extended fins and stronger colouration, while both sexes display an attractive metallic appearance under good aquarium lighting. Peaceful, active and relatively easy to care for, this species is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums.

Common Name:
Emperor Tetra

Scientific Name (Latin):
Nematobrycon palmeri

Maximum Size:
Approximately 5 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Emperor Tetra originates from freshwater habitats in Colombia, where it is associated with slow-moving streams and tributaries containing vegetation, submerged roots and areas of subdued lighting.

It benefits from aquariums that recreate these conditions with plants, shaded areas and gentle water movement.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Emperor Tetra is a peaceful community fish that is best kept with other calm species of a similar size.

Males may display towards one another, but serious aggression is uncommon when the group has sufficient space and visual cover.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including high-quality tropical flakes, small pellets, frozen or live daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

Providing a mixture of prepared and frozen foods helps maintain strong colouration and healthy body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 70 litres

A longer aquarium is preferable, as Emperor Tetras are active swimmers and benefit from open midwater space.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Emperor Tetra is an active midwater fish that looks particularly attractive when maintained in a suitable group.

Unlike some tightly schooling tetra species, Emperor Tetras may form looser social groups while regularly interacting and displaying with one another.

Provide open swimming space together with dense planting, driftwood and shaded retreat areas.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

The Emperor Tetra is well suited to peaceful community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small peaceful catfish, dwarf cichlids and other non-aggressive species with similar water requirements.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep Emperor Tetras in a group, ideally six or more individuals, to encourage natural social behaviour and reduce stress.

A planted aquarium with darker substrate can help bring out their metallic colouration.

Gentle filtration and areas of subdued lighting are beneficial.

Avoid very large, aggressive or highly boisterous tankmates.

Stable water quality and regular partial water changes are important for long-term health.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.