Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

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Emperor Tetra

Nematobrycon palmeri34958.jpg
Emperor Tetra

Nematobrycon palmeri

57 Litres (15 US G.)

3-5.1cm (1.2-2 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.0 - 7.8

23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)

5-19 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

4-6 years

Family

Characidae



Additional names

Emperor Tetra, Rainbow Tetra

Additional scientific names

Nematobrycon amphiloxus


Origin

South America: Atrato and San Juan River basins.


Sexing

The male is more colourful, has a taller body and has longer finnage than the female.


Tank compatibility

Must be kept in the company of its own in groups of 6 or more, but preferably keep only one male to a tank as they can be territorial. One male with many females would be a happy medium. Keep with other peaceful community fish, be careful keeping with slow-moving long-finned fish as these fish may nip.


Diet

Will take most foods including pellets and flake, as well as live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Likes a spacious tank with some dense planting with hiding places and open swimming space. Dark coloured substrate really brings out their colouration and they don't appreciate bright lighting.


Behaviour

A peaceful shoaling fish.


Identification

An attractive elongate tetra with a high back. The dorsal fin is elongated and has a dark fringe on its edge. The other fins also have dark fringes with yellow base colouration. The back is olive brown. A broad iridescent stripe extends from the eye to the base of its tail. The stripe ranges in colour from yellow to green to blue to violet and even black. Below this colourful stripe is a broad black band. No adipose fin is present.
This can be mistaken for several other fish, the missing adipose fin and colourful eyes are a give away however. Not to be confused with Inpaichthys kerri or Nematobrycon lacortei.

Pictures

Videos

External links