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The Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a truly regal and captivating freshwater fish, renowned for its striking colors and elegant finnage, making it a jewel in any community aquarium.Males display an exquisite blend of deep purples and blues along their flanks, punctuated by a prominent horizontal black stripe that extends from the snout to the caudal fin.Their most distinguishing feature is the trident-shaped caudal fin, often adorned with extended rays, resembling a miniature crown.Females are slightly less vibrant but still attractive, typically exhibiting a more subdued lavender hue with a golden sheen, and lack the elongated fin extensions of the males.Growing to about 1.5 to 2 inches, these peaceful and graceful tetras are best kept in schools of at least six, allowing them to feel secure and display their natural shoaling behaviors and stunning color intensity, especially when males engage in playful sparring.They thrive in a well-planted aquarium with a dark substrate and driftwood, which mimics their natural blackwater habitats and helps to bring out their best coloration.Ideal water parameters include a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C), a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.Emperor Tetras are omnivores and will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, micro-pellets, and small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to ensure optimal health and vibrancy.They are excellent candidates for a peaceful community tank alongside other small, non-aggressive species such as other tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful catfish.With their captivating beauty and serene disposition, Emperor Tetras are a superb choice for both novice and experienced aquarists looking to add a touch of sophistication to their aquatic display.

Males can be territorial but are generally peaceful.