Freshwater
Tetra
More details
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Blue Emperor Tetra is a regal and iridescent shoaling fish known for its electric blue body and striking black horizontal stripe. Its peaceful nature, shimmering color, and graceful movement make it a standout in planted and community aquariums.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low-maintenance and hardy—thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with a stable group and planted cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred across the trade. Farming reduces wild collection and supports sustainable practices.
Origin
Endemic to the Atrato and San Juan river basins in western Colombia. Prefers forested lowland streams and tributaries with slow flow and leaf litter.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Vibrant blue body with a contrasting black line and luminescent green eyes. Males display long, trailing finnage and deeper coloration. Their schooling creates a glowing, fluid presence in the midwater zone.
Purpose
A natural dither fish, it encourages shy species to emerge and enhances a tank’s visual dynamism. Its elegance adds contrast and motion without overwhelming other species.
Importance
Ideal for community aquariums. Brings color and tranquility without aggression. Helps distribute attention away from territorial fish and balances behavioral energy.
Included Resources
Prefers a planted setup with subdued lighting, soft substrate, and filtered water rich in tannins. Requires a stable group of 6+ to reduce skittish behavior and establish hierarchy.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for South American biotopes, aquascaped tanks, or blackwater setups. Compatible with dwarf cichlids, rasboras, peaceful catfish, and ornamental shrimp.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable but limited in range. Tank-bred availability reduces impact on native habitats and supports conservation through awareness.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras and Otocinclus
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Peaceful livebearers
• Amano and cherry shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.8750° N
• Longitude: -76.5000° W
(Colombia – Atrato River drainage)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3333° N
• Longitude: -77.2500° W
(Colombia – San Juan River basin)
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)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low-maintenance and hardy—thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with a stable group and planted cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred across the trade. Farming reduces wild collection and supports sustainable practices.
Origin
Endemic to the Atrato and San Juan river basins in western Colombia. Prefers forested lowland streams and tributaries with slow flow and leaf litter.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Vibrant blue body with a contrasting black line and luminescent green eyes. Males display long, trailing finnage and deeper coloration. Their schooling creates a glowing, fluid presence in the midwater zone.
Purpose
A natural dither fish, it encourages shy species to emerge and enhances a tank’s visual dynamism. Its elegance adds contrast and motion without overwhelming other species.
Importance
Ideal for community aquariums. Brings color and tranquility without aggression. Helps distribute attention away from territorial fish and balances behavioral energy.
Included Resources
Prefers a planted setup with subdued lighting, soft substrate, and filtered water rich in tannins. Requires a stable group of 6+ to reduce skittish behavior and establish hierarchy.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for South American biotopes, aquascaped tanks, or blackwater setups. Compatible with dwarf cichlids, rasboras, peaceful catfish, and ornamental shrimp.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable but limited in range. Tank-bred availability reduces impact on native habitats and supports conservation through awareness.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras and Otocinclus
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Peaceful livebearers
• Amano and cherry shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.8750° N
• Longitude: -76.5000° W
(Colombia – Atrato River drainage)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3333° N
• Longitude: -77.2500° W
(Colombia – San Juan River basin)
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)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Low-maintenance and hardy—thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with a stable group and planted cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred across the trade. Farming reduces wild collection and supports sustainable practices.
Origin
Endemic to the Atrato and San Juan river basins in western Colombia. Prefers forested lowland streams and tributaries with slow flow and leaf litter.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Vibrant blue body with a contrasting black line and luminescent green eyes. Males display long, trailing finnage and deeper coloration. Their schooling creates a glowing, fluid presence in the midwater zone.
Purpose
A natural dither fish, it encourages shy species to emerge and enhances a tank’s visual dynamism. Its elegance adds contrast and motion without overwhelming other species.
Importance
Ideal for community aquariums. Brings color and tranquility without aggression. Helps distribute attention away from territorial fish and balances behavioral energy.
Included Resources
Prefers a planted setup with subdued lighting, soft substrate, and filtered water rich in tannins. Requires a stable group of 6+ to reduce skittish behavior and establish hierarchy.
Best Use Cases
Perfect for South American biotopes, aquascaped tanks, or blackwater setups. Compatible with dwarf cichlids, rasboras, peaceful catfish, and ornamental shrimp.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable but limited in range. Tank-bred availability reduces impact on native habitats and supports conservation through awareness.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Corydoras and Otocinclus
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Peaceful livebearers
• Amano and cherry shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.8750° N
• Longitude: -76.5000° W
(Colombia – Atrato River drainage)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3333° N
• Longitude: -77.2500° W
(Colombia – San Juan River basin)
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)
Region
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