CheckMyFishTank

Emperor Tetra care

Nematobrycon palmeri · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Emperor Tetra, painted illustration

A calm tetra with purple and blue shine and long middle tail rays.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2 inches
Temperature75 to 79°F
pH6 to 7.5
GroupA group of 6 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: Males squabble a little, so keep a group with only one or two males.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Emperor Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Emperor Tetra.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Emperor Tetra.
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Emperor Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Emperor Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Emperor Tetra.
  • Discus: Discus and Emperor Tetra need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Emperor Tetra.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Emperor Tetra.

Questions

What size tank does a Emperor Tetra need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Emperor Tetra like?

75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Emperor Tetra should I keep together?

Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Emperor Tetra eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.