Description
Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri)
Overview
Inpaichthys kerri, commonly known as the Blue Emperor Tetra, Purple Emperor Tetra, or Royal Tetra, is a small, vibrant freshwater fish native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained tributaries of the Rio Aripuanã and upper Rio Madeira basins in Brazil. Characterized by a brilliant blue or purple sheen with a black horizontal stripe running from mouth to tail, this peaceful, schooling species is a captivating addition to community aquariums. Its small size and active nature make it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists, though it requires stable water conditions to thrive.
Care Requirements
Tank Size:
Minimum 60 liters for a school of 6–12 fish; 80L or larger is ideal for their active swimming and shoaling Behaviour.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral; 6.5 ideal for breeding)
- Hardness: 1–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
- Prefers clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow, mimicking their natural acidic, tannin-rich habitat.
Aquarium Setup:
- Substrate: River sand or fine gravel to replicate their natural environment. A dark substrate enhances their colouration.
- Decor: Dense vegetation (e.g., Java moss, Java fern, Cryptocoryne) on sides and background, with driftwood and dried leaves (e.g., beech or oak) to release tannins and create a tea-coloured effect. Leave open swimming space in the center.
- Filtration: Gentle filtration with a sponge or low-flow canister filter to maintain water quality without strong currents.
- Lighting: Dim lighting with floating plants (e.g., Salvinia) to diffuse light, as bright lights can dull their colours and cause stress.
- Cover: A secure lid is recommended, as they may jump.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: Perform 20–30% water changes weekly or 25% biweekly to keep nitrate levels below 50 mg/L and maintain water quality. Use a water conditioner (e.g., JBL Biotopol) to remove chlorine and heavy metals from tap water.
- Tank Cleaning: Lightly vacuum substrate to remove debris, preserving some organic material to mimic their natural habitat. Clean glass and decorations as needed.
- Equipment Checks: Regularly inspect filters, heaters, and thermometers to ensure stable conditions. Test water parameters weekly for pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of stress (e.g., faded colours, hiding, or reduced activity) or diseases like ich, to which they are susceptible. Quarantine new fish to prevent disease introduction.
Diet
- Primary Food: Omnivorous, accepting a wide variety of foods.
- Recommended Foods:
- High-quality flake foods or micro-pellets as a staple diet.
- Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, tubifex, and mosquito larvae to enhance colour and health.
- Vegetable-based foods (e.g., spirulina flakes) to provide fiber and prevent digestive issues.
- Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring food is consumed within 3 minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour:
Peaceful, active, and schooling, Blue Emperor Tetras thrive in groups of 6–12 or more, which reduces stress and fin-nipping tendencies. They swim in loose shoals, primarily in the middle water column, and males may display vibrant colours and chase each other to compete for females. Their reputation as fin-nippers is often overstated and can be mitigated by keeping them in larger groups with ample space and visual barriers.
Compatibility:
- Compatible Tankmates: Small, peaceful South American species like other tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras), pencil fish, hatchet fish, dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma), Corydoras, Otocinclus, smaller gouramis, rasboras, and peaceful barbs.
- Incompatible Tankmates: Avoid large, aggressive, or predatory fish (e.g., cichlids), as Blue Emperor Tetras may become prey. They may also nip at slow-moving, long-finned fish (e.g., guppies) if not kept in sufficient numbers.
- Note: Ensure proper identification, as they are often confused with the Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri), which lacks an adipose fin and grows larger.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding in Captivity: Possible but challenging, requiring a dedicated setup. Fry have been reported in heavily planted community tanks, but raising significant numbers requires a separate breeding tank.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
