Species Profile
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
Tetraspeaceful
Adult size
2″
Minimum tank
20 gal
Temperature
73–81°F
pH
5–7.5
Schooling
Group of 6+
Water level
mid
Diet
Flake, pellets, frozen
Notes
Iridescent blue-violet stripe along the body with a trident-tipped tail in adult males. Less flashy than neons but more substantive looking. Group of 6+ in a planted community; one of the most underrated tetras.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Emperor Tetra
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Emperor Tetrain a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Neon Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Endler's Livebearer
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Citron / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0