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The Emperor Tetra is a peaceful fish that can be housed in any community aquarium. Its fins are translucent and the pointed tail has a unique look that will intrigue the beginner to the expert aquarist. Originally from South America, this Tetra is arguably the most beautiful of all with a brilliant purple body.

The Emperor Tetra can be housed in a community aquarium with soft or brackish water. Plants, rocks, and driftwood help to enhance its natural habitat and provide hiding spaces. This is a peaceful fish that the beginner to the expert aquarist would benefit from having. A group of at least six Emperor Tetras are recommended, as they are schooling fish and will do best kept in a group.

The Emperor Tetra will breed occasionally in an aquarium setting and a hospital or "breeding tank" will be necessary. Slightly acidic water is best for optimal breeding habits. After the eggs have been fertilized, remove the parents, or they will eat the eggs. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food.

The Emperor Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.

Ideal tank mates include: Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Plecos and small Scavenger Catfish.