Blue emperor tetra - Inpaichthys kerri
Scientific name: Inpaichthys kerri
Common name: Blue emperor tetra
Family: Characidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 3 cm (0.79 - 1.18 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Blue emperor tetras will accept most foods like flakes or small pellets. Brine shrimp and Tubifex should be included in the diet.
Origin
South America - Blue emperor tetras can be found in the river tributaries of the Rio Madeira in Brazil.
Sexing
The males adipose fin (it is the smaller dorsal fin) is blue, while females is red-orange.
Breeding
Breeding can be difficult with these fish. Condition the breeding pair in separate tank, and when they are ready add them to a small planted tank. The female will lay her eggs on the plants and at this stage the parents should be removed. The eggs should hatch after 24 hours and the fry will be free swimming 5 days later. The fry should be fed on a diet of crushed flake and newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
If kept correctly, Inpaichthys kerri should live for up to 6 years.
Short description
Blue Emperor Tetra is very sensitive to pollutants in the water. To color up properly they need the best water conditions.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.