Freshwater
Tetra
More details
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Blue Emperor Tetra is a striking variant of the classic Emperor Tetra, displaying deep sapphire hues and graceful movements. It's an elegant schooling fish that thrives in planted tanks, offering both visual depth and calm presence.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and undemanding, but shows best color and behavior in stable, planted environments with good water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly tank-bred in the hobby. Wild populations in Colombia benefit from reduced collection pressure.
Origin
Originally native to the Atrato and San Juan river basins of Colombia. The blue variant is selectively bred from wild Nematobrycon palmeri stock.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Shimmering blue body with a glowing eye stripe and flowing fins. Males have longer trailing dorsal and anal fins. Their movement is slow, deliberate, and regal—like miniature torpedoes gliding through light.
Purpose
Ideal for mid-column activity and visual flow. Adds color contrast to greens and browns in planted tanks. Also works well as a calm dither fish for shy species.
Importance
Perfect for peaceful community tanks or aquascapes requiring an elegant, non-aggressive presence. Easy to care for and stunning in large groups.
Included Resources
Needs clean, well-oxygenated water and low to moderate flow. Benefits from floating plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting. A darker substrate enhances coloration.
Best Use Cases
Heavily planted community tanks, blackwater setups, South American biotopes. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, and small rasboras.
Conservation Context
Native populations in Colombia are stable but affected by habitat degradation. Hobbyist demand is met almost entirely by captive breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Pencilfish and rasboras
• Gouramis and peaceful barbs
• Shrimp-safe in large tanks
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.7481° N
• Longitude: -76.6429° W
(Atrato River basin, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3440° N
• Longitude: -77.3590° W
(San Juan River basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and undemanding, but shows best color and behavior in stable, planted environments with good water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly tank-bred in the hobby. Wild populations in Colombia benefit from reduced collection pressure.
Origin
Originally native to the Atrato and San Juan river basins of Colombia. The blue variant is selectively bred from wild Nematobrycon palmeri stock.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Shimmering blue body with a glowing eye stripe and flowing fins. Males have longer trailing dorsal and anal fins. Their movement is slow, deliberate, and regal—like miniature torpedoes gliding through light.
Purpose
Ideal for mid-column activity and visual flow. Adds color contrast to greens and browns in planted tanks. Also works well as a calm dither fish for shy species.
Importance
Perfect for peaceful community tanks or aquascapes requiring an elegant, non-aggressive presence. Easy to care for and stunning in large groups.
Included Resources
Needs clean, well-oxygenated water and low to moderate flow. Benefits from floating plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting. A darker substrate enhances coloration.
Best Use Cases
Heavily planted community tanks, blackwater setups, South American biotopes. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, and small rasboras.
Conservation Context
Native populations in Colombia are stable but affected by habitat degradation. Hobbyist demand is met almost entirely by captive breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Pencilfish and rasboras
• Gouramis and peaceful barbs
• Shrimp-safe in large tanks
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.7481° N
• Longitude: -76.6429° W
(Atrato River basin, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3440° N
• Longitude: -77.3590° W
(San Juan River basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and undemanding, but shows best color and behavior in stable, planted environments with good water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly tank-bred in the hobby. Wild populations in Colombia benefit from reduced collection pressure.
Origin
Originally native to the Atrato and San Juan river basins of Colombia. The blue variant is selectively bred from wild Nematobrycon palmeri stock.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Shimmering blue body with a glowing eye stripe and flowing fins. Males have longer trailing dorsal and anal fins. Their movement is slow, deliberate, and regal—like miniature torpedoes gliding through light.
Purpose
Ideal for mid-column activity and visual flow. Adds color contrast to greens and browns in planted tanks. Also works well as a calm dither fish for shy species.
Importance
Perfect for peaceful community tanks or aquascapes requiring an elegant, non-aggressive presence. Easy to care for and stunning in large groups.
Included Resources
Needs clean, well-oxygenated water and low to moderate flow. Benefits from floating plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting. A darker substrate enhances coloration.
Best Use Cases
Heavily planted community tanks, blackwater setups, South American biotopes. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids, Corydoras, and small rasboras.
Conservation Context
Native populations in Colombia are stable but affected by habitat degradation. Hobbyist demand is met almost entirely by captive breeding.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Pencilfish and rasboras
• Gouramis and peaceful barbs
• Shrimp-safe in large tanks
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.7481° N
• Longitude: -76.6429° W
(Atrato River basin, Colombia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3440° N
• Longitude: -77.3590° W
(San Juan River basin, Colombia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Region
Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
People also like…
