These decorations will serve the same purpose as the plants, and help emperor tetras to feel at home. You should also incorporate driftwood and some caves. Plus, dense vegetation will reduce the chances of aggression, since emperor tetras can easily keep out of one another’s view. The plants will also provide tetras with a shaded place to shelter, giving them a greater sense of security and safety. Emperor tetras love to hide and explore, and the plants will allow them to do just this. Make sure you decorate the tank with plenty of live plants (like hornwort). While they prefer moderately soft water, they can thrive in harder water as long as the water is well-maintained and changed regularly. However, tetras are hardy, since virtually all in the trade are now captive-bred. Keeping them in a large school will help to prevent this behavior. A larger group size will also allow tetras to show off their vibrant colors and swimming patterns. While they rarely exhibit aggression, the males can be territorial with each other. However, fights seldom lead to injuries, especially if the tank is spacious and set up appropriately.Įmperor tetras can be fin nippers, and sometimes more boisterous male tetras will chase other fish. Tetras are mid dwellers, but they may swim down to the lower levels of the tank to explore and take cover in plants. They are quite lively and active and will dart around the tank with a dignified air. Typical BehaviorĮmperor tetras are docile and friendly schooling fish that thrive in the company of their own or other peaceful species. Stress also makes tetras more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections, which can cause visible growths or rashes. Several factors can cause stress, including abrupt change in water parameters, an insufficient group size, and inappropriate lighting. When stressed, an emperor tetra’s scales may dull and lose color. Emperor tetras come in a black color variation too. Their iris hue is also different: male emperors have blue eyes, while females have green eyes. Their caudal fin also has an elongated ray in the center, which gives their tail a trident-like shape.įemales tend to be plumper and less colorful. Males have a larger, more pointed body, and have longer dorsal (top) fins, and a longer caudal (tail) fin. Emperor tetras are sexually dysmorphic, so looks do vary based on sex. Beneath the stripe, the coloration tends to be lighter. The top of the emperor’s back is an umber hue. Their fins are translucent and have a yellow coloration, though the outer edges are tinted black.Īnother distinct feature of the emperor is a black stripe that runs across their entire body. The scales have an iridescent purple sheen that stands out in low lighting. The average adult is 2 inches, but they can sometimes grow up to 2.5 inches.Įmperors have elongated bodies and large, blue-grayish scales. Emperor tetras are a small freshwater species.
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