Blue Emperor Tetra – Inpaichthys kerri
The Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri) is a peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its shimmering metallic blue coloration, elegant fins, and active swimming behavior. This eye-catching tetra looks especially beautiful in planted aquariums, where its blue tones stand out against green plants and natural decor.
Blue Emperor Tetras are a great choice for peaceful community tanks. When kept in groups, they become more confident, show better color, and create constant movement throughout the middle areas of the aquarium.
Key Features
- Metallic blue coloration with an elegant appearance
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Excellent choice for planted freshwater tanks
- Active swimmer that adds movement and color
- Best kept in groups of six or more
- Great for beginner to intermediate freshwater hobbyists
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Inpaichthys kerri
- Common Name: Blue Emperor Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1–1.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended
- Water Temperature: 74–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Ideal Tank Setup
Blue Emperor Tetras do best in a stable, well-maintained aquarium with plants, open swimming space, and gentle to moderate water movement. Live plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker substrate can help bring out their color and create a more natural display.
Keep Blue Emperor Tetras in groups of six or more for the best behavior and appearance. A larger group helps reduce stress and encourages more natural schooling activity.
Diet & Feeding
Feed Blue Emperor Tetras a varied omnivore diet. Quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other small prepared or frozen foods work well.
A varied diet helps support healthy growth, strong color, and active behavior.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Dwarf cichlids
- Peaceful gouramis
- Small plecos
- Snails
- Peaceful community fish of similar size
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of six or more
- Provide live plants and open swimming space
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Perform regular water changes
- Feed a varied diet for best color
- Avoid large, aggressive, or fin-nipping tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Blue Emperor Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Blue Emperor Tetras are peaceful community fish and do well with other calm freshwater species.
How many Blue Emperor Tetras should I keep?
A group of six or more is recommended. Larger groups help them feel secure and show more natural schooling behavior.
Are Blue Emperor Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They look excellent in planted aquariums and generally do not bother healthy live plants.
What do Blue Emperor Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, and small frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
What tank size do Blue Emperor Tetras need?
A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a proper group and stable water conditions.
Can Blue Emperor Tetras live with corydoras?
Yes. Corydoras catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers and make excellent tankmates for Blue Emperor Tetras.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Blue Emperor Tetras are beautiful metallic blue schooling fish for planted freshwater community aquariums. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for tetras, peaceful community fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products.
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