Emperor Tetra, scientifically called Nematobrycon palmeri, is a small freshwater fish. It lives in rivers in western Colombia and is popular in aquariums.
The name comes from Mervyn George Palmer, an English collector who found the first one for the British Museum.
This fish eats worms and small water creatures. In an aquarium, it’s best to have at least five of them together, with a tank size of at least 80 cm long.
Emperor Tetra Interesting Facts
- Emperor Tetra, or Nematobrycon palmeri, is native to western Colombia rivers and popular in aquariums.
- Named after English collector Mervyn George Palmer who discovered it for the British Museum.
- Eats worms and small aquatic creatures; best kept in groups of five or more in tanks 80 cm long at least.
- Thrives in various water conditions with a pH between 5.0 to 8.0 and temperatures between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C).
Emperor Tetra Habitat
Emperor tetra is found in South America, specifically in the Atrato and San Juan River basins. This fish prefers to swim freely in open water (pelagic).
It can live in a wide range of water conditions, with a pH between 5.0 to 8.0, and hardness (dH) between 5 to 19.
The ideal temperature for this tropical fish is between 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 80.6°F (23°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Emperor Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.7 inches (4.2 centimeters)
Emperor tetra grows up to 1.7 inches (4.2 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.
Emperor Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Nematobrycon |
| Scientific Name: | Nematobrycon palmeri |
| Also Known As: | Emperor Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Data Deficient |