Emperor Tetra

The emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a Colombian fish and one of the more characterful small tetras. A broad black stripe runs from the gill plate to the tail and continues into the middle rays of the caudal fin, which extend outward to give the tail a three-pointed, trident shape found in almost no other tetra. Above the stripe the body carries a purple-blue sheen, and mature males have startlingly blue-green eyes.

Aquarium care

• Reaches roughly 5 cm.
• Keep six or more, with more females than males if you can sex them.
• Prefers soft, slightly acidic water and subdued lighting.
• Omnivorous: flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm.
• Mid-water swimmer.

Emperors do not shoal tightly the way rummy-nose or neons do; instead males stake out loose territories and display at one another, which is most of the interest in keeping them. That display only happens in a group with space and cover, so give them a planted tank with driftwood. They suit corydoras, small rasboras and dwarf cichlids.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse the current tetras.