Emperor Tetra     Nematobrycon palmeri

Grows to: 2"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look good with a dark substrate.  They swim in the middle region of the tank.  They enjoy a moderate water current.  They prefer to sleep in a cave and an entire school will sleep in the same cave each night if you can provide one large enough.  Minimum tank size is about 10 gallons. (Temperature- 72-82),  (pH 5.0-7.5)

Tank mates:  They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. 

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Tetras will show their best color after you have owned it for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Columbia.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males have longer fins including a third central lobe on tail fin.  Males also tend to have blue/green eyes while females have gold or yellow

See also:  Tetras