The Emperor Tetra originates from streams and rivers in Colombia.  The lower half of the body is black/blue while the top half is creamy silver.  The fins can have a yellow appearance.  Emperors like a dark, well-planted aquariums and caves.  They also like open swimming space.  They don't school as readily as other tetras, but will do so if there are 6 or more.  They can undergo color changes, especially during breeding.  They eat flake foods, freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.  

The female is lighter and the male has an extension of the black body line into the tail fin, which results in three points to it.  Emperors will scatter their adhesive eggs in heavily planted soft water.  Live foods, water changes and termperature changes may help bring about spawning.  Spawning can take several hours.  Eggs are scattered among fine leaved plants and the parents should be removed before the fry hatch.

Tropical fish and aquarium information about freshwater species, fish care, fish facts, compatibility and aquarium maintenance.