Kerri Tetra
Inpaichthys kerri
Also known as Blue Emperor Tetra, Royal Tetra
Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Characidae
The Kerri Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish native to South America, known for its subtle beauty with a silvery body and distinctive black stripe running along its lateral line. These tetras are excellent for community aquariums and thrive in groups, displaying active and engaging behavior. They are relatively hardy and make an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Where it's from
Native to the Amazon river basin
Brazil
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Tanks keeping this
Kept by 3 members2 tanks shared publicly; 1 more kept privately.
Care
Diet
Kerri Tetras are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality micro pellets or small flake foods as their staple diet. Supplement with small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms 2-3 times per week. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Kerri Tetras are active schooling fish that display constant movement and interaction within their group. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent community fish that spend most of their time in the middle water column. These fish are most comfortable and display natural behavior when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.
Breeding
Kerri Tetras are egg scatterers that can be bred in captivity with proper conditioning and setup. Breeding requires a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and warm temperatures around 26-28°C. Remove adults after spawning as they may consume eggs; fry will be free-swimming in 3-4 days and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar size and peaceful temperament, ideal schooling companion
Compatible water parameters and peaceful community fish
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete with tetras
Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature requirements
Peaceful invertebrate that won't threaten small tetras
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Neon Tetra Disease, Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30°C, use ich medication following product instructions, perform frequent water changes, ensure good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe, ensure adequate filtration
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, consider euthanasia to prevent suffering
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, torn fins, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, improve tank conditions, isolate severely affected fish
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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