Emperor Tetra
The Emperor Tetra are in high demand in the aquarium hobby due to their intriguing colors and that their easy to care for. Due to their size they are one of the few tetra that can be kept with Angelfish, Gourami, and Silver Sharks. Furthermore, because they are so delicate and peaceful they do not harm smaller fish (such as Neons) or other delicate creatures (such as Red Cherry Shrimp). They are a hardy fish that can tolerate a variety of water conditions and do not require plants to be in the aquarium; even though they would prefer it. It has been observed that a darker substrate and a densely planted tank help bring out the coloration of the fish and make them feel more safe. It is recommended that they are kept in a school of 6 or more as they are a shoaling species.
Profile
Difficulty: Easy
Origin: Colombia, South America
Size: 2 in (5 cm)
Tanks Size: 30 gallons (113L)
Temp: 74-82° F (23-28C)
pH: 5-8
Hardness: 1-12
Food: flakes, brine shrimp, freeze dried, live food, frozen food, bloodworms, mosquito larvae
Schooling: 6 or more
Breeding
- Easy
- Usually breed without the owner having to induce it
- The eyes of a male are metallic blue whilst a females are metallic green. Males also have three prolonged tails and females have a black patch that extends onto the tail fin, the male's black patch stop before the tail fins.
- They should be bred in a tank with no other fish to ensure survival of young
- If that tank is planted the survival rate of offspring will increase as adults eat them. Keeping parents well fed also helps.
- Feed young daphnia, and dry food can be used once they are large enough to consume it.
Profile
Difficulty: Easy
Origin: Colombia, South America
Size: 2 in (5 cm)
Tanks Size: 30 gallons (113L)
Temp: 74-82° F (23-28C)
pH: 5-8
Hardness: 1-12
Food: flakes, brine shrimp, freeze dried, live food, frozen food, bloodworms, mosquito larvae
Schooling: 6 or more
Breeding
- Easy
- Usually breed without the owner having to induce it
- The eyes of a male are metallic blue whilst a females are metallic green. Males also have three prolonged tails and females have a black patch that extends onto the tail fin, the male's black patch stop before the tail fins.
- They should be bred in a tank with no other fish to ensure survival of young
- If that tank is planted the survival rate of offspring will increase as adults eat them. Keeping parents well fed also helps.
- Feed young daphnia, and dry food can be used once they are large enough to consume it.
