The Emperor Tetra doesn’t just swim — it rules. Metallic blues, deep purples, and that bold black stripe cut through the water like a crown jewel. Males flaunt a scepter‑like tail ray, making every pass a royal procession.
This isn’t your everyday tetra. At Uncle Joe’s Fish Shed, we, breed them in house, or bring them in small batches, hand‑selected for health and brilliance from one of out local breeders. Limited runs only — because true quality is never mass‑produced.
Regal look: Iridescent scales, scepter tail in males
Peaceful shoaler: Perfect centerpiece for planted tanks
Exclusive stock: Offered only when they meet our standards
Cool, rare, and gone fast — claim your Emperor before the throne is empty.
🌍 Conservation Status: Native to Colombia’s Atrato and San Juan river systems. Not currently listed as threatened, but wild populations face pressure from habitat loss and over‑collection.
Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
🌡️ Tank Setup
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Temp: 73–81°F
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Size: 20+ gallons
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Soft, slightly acidic water preferred
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Dense planting + open swimming space
🍽️ Feeding
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Omnivore: flakes, micro‑pellets, frozen/live foods
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Enjoys brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
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Rotate diet for color and health
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful, best in groups of 6+
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Works well with other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras
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Avoid fin‑nippers
🧪 Care Notes
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Hardy but sensitive to poor water quality
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Weekly water changes (20–30%)
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Limited run — quality comes with a price, but peace of mind is included
🐣 Breeding Tips
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Males display extended tail ray and brighter colors
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Scatter spawners: eggs laid among plants or substrate
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Soft, acidic water (pH ~6.0, temp ~78–80°F) encourages spawning
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Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs
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Fry start on infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
🚚 From Egg to Your Door Sustainably sourced, raised with care, and offered only when it meets Uncle Joe’s standards.
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