Scientific Name : Nematobrycon palmeri

Common Names : Emperor Tetra, Rainbow Tetra

Emperor Tetra Care Level : Easy

Size : 1.5 inches (4.2 cm)

Water Parameters : pH 5 – 8.0 | Temperature : 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)

Lifespan : 3 – 5 years

Origin / Habitat : South America, Atrato and San Juan River basins.

Temperament / Behavior : Similar to other tetra species, they will do well with groups of 5 or more of them. One of the few that will be fine if kept in lower numbered groups though.

Emperor Tetra Breeding : Substratum egg scatters. Reported to spawn more frequently in heavily planted aquariums on the slightly acidic side. Remove the eggs so the parents don’t eat them.

Aquarium Size : 20 to 30 gallon recommended (schooling fish)

Emperor Tetra Tank Mates : Like other tetras they can be fin nippers. Keep them in schools to limit the aggression with other species.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease

Diet / Foods : Feeds on worms and crustaceans in the wild (re: fishbase). A high quality micro pellet food like New Life Spectrum can be their primary diet. Bloodworms, blackworms and similar live/thawed foods will be good to supplement their diet.

Tank Region : Middle to bottom, can be quite active

Gender : Some think you can tell by their eye color with males having blue eyes and females having green eyes.