Blue Emperor Tetra
Live Fish
Pickup available at 28 Wellesley Road Napier South
Usually ready in 4 hours
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
The Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri) is a striking freshwater schooling fish admired for its iridescent blue body, dark lateral stripe, and elegant finnage. This species is slightly more assertive than smaller tetras but remains peaceful when kept in suitable groups and aquarium conditions.
Blue Emperor Tetras are best suited to well-maintained community aquariums with stable water parameters. When kept in schools, males display impressive colour intensity and social behaviour, making this species a standout in planted or aquascaped tanks.
Physical Characteristics
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Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
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Coloration: Metallic blue body with a dark horizontal stripe; fins may show purple or black edging
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Body Shape: Slender, elongated tetra profile
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Sexual Dimorphism:
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Males are more colourful with longer, more pointed fins
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Females are slightly larger and rounder with subtler colouration
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Behaviour & Temperament
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Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful
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Tank Level: Mid-water
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Schooling Behaviour: Should be kept in groups of 6 or more
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Activity Level: Active, especially males displaying dominance
Suitable Tank Mates
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Other medium-sized peaceful tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Dwarf cichlids (peaceful species, Bolivian Rams)
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Small gouramis
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Catfish
Avoid:
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Very small or timid fish
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Aggressive or highly territorial species
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Fin-nippers
Breeding Information
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
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Breeding Setup:
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Soft, slightly acidic water
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Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
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Parental Care: None
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Notes: Adults may eat eggs; removal is required for breeding attempts
Special Considerations
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Males may show mild aggression if kept in small groups
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Best colouration achieved with stable water quality and subdued lighting
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Performs best in planted aquariums with visual barriers
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Avoid overcrowding
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 60-80 litres
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Water Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH Range: 5.5–7.5
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Water Hardness: 2–10 dGH
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
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Decor: Live plants, driftwood, shaded areas
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Filtration: Moderate, well-maintained
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Lighting: Moderate; plants help diffuse brightness
Diet & Feeding
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Diet Type: Omnivore
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Recommended Foods:
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Frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp
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Occasional live foods for conditioning
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small portions
We aim to provide up to date product information including ingredients, size and colour specifications, packaging and product features, as provided to us by the product manufacturer. As product details change from time to time, this information is intended as a guide only and some delay may occur in the updating of our listing. Product images are indicative of the appearance and the product delivered may vary slightly from the product image show. When precise information is important, we recommend that you read the label on the products you purchase or contact the manufacturer of the product.
