Black Emperor Tetra

The uncommon black emperor tetra is captive-bred in Indonesia but was first found as a naturally occurring variation in the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela. The deep colors and bright blue eyes create a phantasmic scene in the aquarium. These community fish will grow to two inches over time, and their fins grow longer as they age.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them plants along the back and sides, open swimming space in front and a dark substrate, which brings out their color. Keep a lid on the tank, since tetras can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They get along with most peaceful community fish of similar size, such as other tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis and livebearers.

Good to know: Tetras feel safer and show better color in a group. A larger school also spreads out any chasing.