Super Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri) – Tank-Bred

Species Overview The Super Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri) is a selectively bred form of the Blue Emperor Tetra known for its especially intense blue to violet-blue coloration. Its metallic color can shift noticeably with aquarium lighting and the angle of the fish, while a darker lateral stripe provides contrast along the body. These Tank-Bred tetras are small, active community fish that show their best behavior and appearance when maintained in a proper social group. Rather than purchasing one or two as individual display fish, keeping a group allows the Super Blue Emperor Tetra to interact naturally while creating considerably more movement and color throughout the aquarium. Males generally develop stronger blue coloration as they mature, while females tend to have a fuller body and more subdued coloration. Keeping multiple individuals also gives males opportunities to display toward one another, which can make their coloration particularly noticeable. Despite sharing the “Emperor Tetra” name, Inpaichthys kerri should not be confused with the Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri). They are separate species with different appearances, and this Super Blue form belongs to Inpaichthys kerri. For a planted community aquarium, the Super Blue Emperor Tetra offers something unusual: a small schooling fish with brilliant blue coloration that becomes even more impressive when an entire group is moving through the aquarium. What We Love About This Fish Brilliant electric blue to violet-blue coloration that becomes especially noticeable in mature males Social group behavior creates constant movement and interaction throughout the aquarium Small, peaceful size makes it an excellent choice for planted community aquariums Tank-Bred and a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) Quick Care Guide Care Level: Easy to Moderate Temperament: Peaceful and Social Adult Size: Approximately 1.5 to 2 Inches Diet: Omnivore (Micro Pellets, Quality Flakes, Frozen Foods, and Small Live Foods) Minimum Tank Size: 15 Gallons Swimming Zone: Middle Social Behavior: Schooling/Shoaling Tetra Group Size: Keep at least 6; larger groups are preferred Source: Tank-Bred Scientific Name: Inpaichthys kerri Purchase Size: Approximately 0.75 to 1.25 Inches Recommended Water Parameters Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C) pH: 5.5–7.5 GH: 3–12 dGH KH: 1–8 dKH Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Ideally below 20 ppm Super Blue Emperor Tetras (Inpaichthys kerri) are adaptable to a reasonable range of freshwater conditions, but they do best when the aquarium remains stable, clean, and well maintained. Slightly soft to moderately mineralized water works well, and there is no benefit to continually adjusting the aquarium simply to reach one exact pH value. As with most small tetras, consistency matters more than chasing a specific number. Regular water changes, mature biological filtration, and avoiding sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry provide a much better foundation for long-term health.