
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Inpaichthys kerri
A small characin, purplish blue with a dark lateral stripe. It resembles the emperor tetra but can be told apart by its adipose fin. Peaceful, and it shows its true colour only in a dim, blackwater-style tank.
Inpaichthys kerri is a small characin of the Aripuana River in the upper Madeira basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. FishBase gives 2.8cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH and 24-27C, recommending groups of five or more in a tank of 60cm or longer, while Seriously Fish gives 3.5cm SL, 24-27C, pH 5.5-7.0 and 1-12 dGH. The body is purplish blue with a dark lateral stripe, and the fish is sold under names including royal tetra and blue emperor. It is confused with the emperor tetra but has an adipose fin, which that species lacks. It lives in sluggish tributaries within forest, where leaf tannins stain the water brown and make it strongly acidic. In a sparse tank its colour washes out and it turns shy. It is peaceful and cannot hold its own against large or boisterous tank mates.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Royal Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Royal Tetra grows to About 2.8-3.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Royal Tetra is 24〜27℃.
Origin
South America (the Aripuana River in the upper Madeira basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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About 2.8-3.5cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres at 30cm depth, and FishBase likewise recommends 60cm or more. A blackwater layout of river sand, driftwood and dried leaves that stains the water the colour of weak tea, under dim lighting, comes closest to its habitat. It also does well in a densely planted tank.
Seriously Fish gives 24-27C, pH 5.5-7.0 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH and 24-27C. Its home water is strongly acidic and stained brown by leaf tannins, so soft, slightly acidic water suits it.
Peaceful, and it cannot compete with boisterous or larger fish; small South American species make better company. Its reputation as a fin nipper comes from being kept in too small a number, and with a group of about six the aggression stays largely among themselves. It does not shoal tightly, but it fares best in a group, and rival males colour up as they display to one another.
It has no special requirements and takes most prepared foods. Regular meals of small live and frozen fare such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp bring up the colour.
It is spawned regularly in the hobby. To raise fry in numbers, set up a separate tank of about 45 by 25 by 25cm, keep it very dimly lit and add java moss or spawning mops. It can also be spawned in a group of about six of each sex, and conditioning on small live foods makes spawning straightforward. Females are plainer and stockier than males.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It is sometimes sold as the emperor tetra, so check for the adipose fin. In a bright, bare tank it loses colour and turns shy, so give it cover and subdued light.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Royal Tetra is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Royal Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Royal Tetra typically reaches About 2.8-3.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Royal Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Royal Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026