🐟 Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri)
A Shimmering Blue-to-Violet Body With a Bold Iridescent Stripe • A Naming Note: A Different Genus From the True Emperor Tetra • Striking Sexual Dimorphism Between Males and Females
 
📋 A note on naming: this species is sometimes confused with the true Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri), but it belongs to an entirely different genus; the reliable way to tell them apart is the Blue Emperor's broad iridescent stripe running from snout to tail, against the true Emperor Tetra's more pointed, elongated fin shape.
 
The Blue Emperor Tetra, also known as the Purple Emperor, Royal, or King Tetra, has a shimmering blue-to-violet body with a broad, iridescent stripe running the length of the body.
It comes from the Rio Aripuanã, a tributary of the Rio Madeira in Brazil, naturally schooling in sunlit, flowing forest streams. Every Blue Emperor Tetra we ship is feeding well.
This species shows striking sexual dimorphism; males display a more vivid blue-to-purple iridescence with an elongated dorsal fin, while females are stockier with a reddish adipose fin. It's a peaceful, active schooling fish, best displayed against dark substrate and planting, which really brings out its metallic shimmer. It reaches up to 4cm, so a 75L tank suits a school well.
 
💡 Highlights
💙 Shimmering Blue-Violet Body: A broad iridescent stripe running the length of the body
♀♂ Striking Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look noticeably different
🔍 A Naming Note Worth Knowing: A different genus from the true Emperor Tetra
👥 Active Schooling Fish: Best kept in groups of 6-10 or more
🌿 Planted Tank Favourite: Dark substrate brings out its metallic shimmer