Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

Important Buyer Information: At YoCamron’s Aquatics, all our livestock undergo a thorough 10-week quarantine to ensure they arrive in optimal health. Please contact us before purchasing to confirm availability and receive updates during the quarantine process. Our guarantee for live arrival applies only to shipments delivered through UPS early AM service. Please note, livestock purchased directly from our wholesaler is ONLY covered by a 2-hour live arrival guarantee under our DOA (Dead On Arrival) terms. For more details, please reach out to us directly. We’re dedicated to ensuring the best for our customers and their aquatic environments.

Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) – A Regal Choice for Soft, Acidic Water Aquariums!

The Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a truly captivating freshwater species that brings an elegant and peaceful presence to any aquarium. With its iridescent body, bold black midline stripe, and striking blue-green sheen, this tetra earns its royal name. Males boast extended dorsal and caudal fins, giving them a majestic flowing appearance as they swim gracefully through the tank.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Native to the soft, acidic waters of Colombia, the Emperor Tetra thrives in well-maintained planted aquariums with a natural, dimly lit environment. To ensure optimal health and coloration, provide:

✔ pH Range: 5.5 – 6.8 (Soft, Acidic Water)

✔ Temperature: 74°F – 82°F

✔ Water Hardness: Soft (0-10 dGH preferred)

✔ Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons, though larger tanks allow for a more natural social structure

✔ Aquascape: Dense vegetation, driftwood, leaf litter, and dark substrate enhance their colors and mimic their natural habitat

A gentle water flow with areas of calm water is preferred, replicating the slow-moving streams they come from.

Diet – Omnivorous & Easy to Feed!

Emperor Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a diverse diet. To enhance their natural iridescence and keep them in peak condition, feed them:

✅ High-quality flakes and micro pellets

✅ Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms)

✅ Vegetable-based foods (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, algae wafers)

A balanced diet ensures vibrant coloration, fin development, and overall well-being.

Behavior & Ideal Tank Mates

Unlike many tetras, Emperor Tetras are not strict schoolers. Instead, they form loose hierarchies, with males displaying stunning territorial behaviors. It’s best to keep them in groups of 6 or more, allowing for natural interactions without aggression.

They are peaceful and make excellent additions to soft-water community tanks. Ideal tank mates include:

✔ Other peaceful tetras (Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetras)

✔ Corydoras catfish

✔ Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids

✔ Otocinclus and peaceful plecos

✔ Gouramis

Avoid fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs, as Emperor Tetras have delicate flowing fins that can be targeted.

Why Buy from YoCamron’s Aquatics?

✔ Fully quarantined and health-verified before shipping

✔ Expertly conditioned for soft, acidic water setups

✔ Live arrival guarantee on UPS Early AM shipments

✔ Decades of experience in fish health and quarantine

If you’re looking for a unique, elegant tetra species that thrives in soft, acidic water and displays stunning natural colors, the Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a perfect choice! Order today from YoCamron’s Aquatics and experience the difference!