Royal Tetra is also known by its scientific name Inpaichthys kerri.
It comes from Brazil and lives in small rivers connected to the Aripuanã River. It’s the only fish of its kind.
This fish was named after Warwick Estevam Kerr, a Brazilian scientist who worked at INPA – the National Institute for Amazon Research.
The area where this fish was discovered is close to an INPA field station in Núcleo Aripuanã, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Royal Tetra has a special fin called an adipose fin, which makes it different from Emperor Tetra.
To keep this fish in an aquarium, you should have at least 5 of them together and use a tank that’s at least 60 cm long.
Royal Tetra Interesting Facts
- Royal Tetra, or Inpaichthys kerri, is a unique fish from Brazil’s Aripuanã River.
- It’s named after Brazilian scientist Warwick Estevam Kerr of INPA.
- It has a distinct adipose fin, setting it apart from Emperor Tetras.
- These fish are best kept in groups of 5 or more within a 60 cm tank with specific water conditions.
Royal Tetra Habitat
Royal Tetra lives in South America, specifically in the Aripuanã River and upper Madeira River basin located in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
This fish prefers freshwater environments and swims near the surface.
The ideal water conditions for Royal Tetras include a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, a dH range of 5 to 12, and a temperature between 75.2°F to 80.6°F (24°C to 27°C).
They thrive in tropical climates.
| Water Temperature: | 75.2°F to 80.6°F (24°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 12 dH |
Royal Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.1 inches (2.8 centimeters)
Royal Tetra is a small fish that grows up to 1.1 inches (2.8 centimeters) long.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Royal Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Inpaichthys |
| Scientific Name: | Inpaichthys kerri |
| Also Known As: | Royal Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |