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Contents
Overview
The emperor tetra is one of the most elegant characins. It reaches about 2 inches (5 cm) and has a bold black lateral stripe on a body that shimmers violet, blue and gold. Males are unmistakable, with turquoise-blue eyes and a trident-shaped tail whose central rays extend into a point. It comes from rivers on Colombia's Pacific slope, such as the San Juan and Atrato, with calm water and dense vegetation.
Unlike many tetras, it does not form tight schools; it lives in loose groups where males display to one another. It is hardy, calm and long-lived, a perfect choice for beginners with a planted tank who want something different from the usual neons.
Care and tank setup
A group of six, ideally one male to two females or several males with enough room, needs about 20 gallons (80 L). Use moderate filtration and a heater and keep the water clean; emperors adapt well to soft or moderately hard water.
- Aquascape: dense plants, driftwood and some shade from floating plants. Dim light and a dark background make the violet sheen pop.
- Males: they hold small territories and display at each other but rarely cause injuries. Visual barriers reduce tension.
- Tank mates: corydoras, rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, dwarf gouramis, peaceful dwarf cichlids and shrimp.
Avoid very fast or nippy tank mates, which stress them and ruin their tails. Do weekly water changes and never add them to an uncycled tank. Never release them into the wild.
Feeding
An omnivore that feeds on small invertebrates and larvae in the wild. In the aquarium it accepts quality flakes, micro pellets and powdered foods, and it colors up beautifully on frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms or cyclops. Offer small amounts once or twice a day; it usually feeds in the middle and upper water column.
Breeding
Emperors lay their eggs singly or in small batches among fine plants and moss, without parental care. They breed fairly readily in a separate tank with soft water, gentle lighting and plenty of Java moss. A pair may spawn over several days, so remove either the eggs or the parents. The fry take infusoria, then baby brine shrimp.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Emperor tetra. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Zebra danio Danio rerio 16 gal (60 L) · 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Panda cory Corydoras panda 16 gal (60 L) · 68–77 °F (20–25 °C) 
Amano shrimp Caridina multidentata 11 gal (40 L) · 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) 
Cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi 5 gal (20 L) · 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Emperor tetra, and why.
- Common goldfish: incompatible temperatures, one may eat the other due to size
- Discus: incompatible temperatures
- Angelfish: one may eat the other due to size
- Clown loach: one may eat the other due to size
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Emperor tetra healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Emperor tetra need?
At least about 80 liters for a group of at least 6 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Emperor tetra need?
Between 23 and 27 °C, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Emperor tetra?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Betta fish, Bronze cory, Zebra danio and Guppy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Emperor tetra be kept with shrimp?
Yes: it usually won’t eat adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may get picked off. A tank with plenty of moss gives the babies cover.
