Purple Emperor Tetra Nematobrycon Palmeri 2cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Purple Emperor Tetra is a graceful shoaling characin with a deep purple-blue body, a dark lateral band and, in males, a trident-shaped tail and extended dorsal fin. It is endemic to the San Juan and Atrato river basins of western Colombia. It suits peaceful planted aquariums and blackwater-style tanks where its subtle colours can glow.
- Adult Size: Around 4–5 cm (1.7–2 in); males larger
- Lifespan: 5–6 years
Origin
- Native to: San Juan and Atrato river basins, Colombia
- Habitat: Slow, shaded tributaries and backwaters with leaf litter
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous, favouring small invertebrates
- Preferred Foods: Micro granules, flake, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm, cyclops
- Feeding Habits: Small feeds twice daily; regular live or frozen food sharpens colour
Tank Mates
- Best with: Small tetras, pencilfish, corydoras, apistogramma, otocinclus
- Avoid: Large, boisterous or fin-nipping species
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Peaceful and lively
- Territoriality: Males spar over rivals but rarely cause harm
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Challenges: Colours fade in bright light or hard, alkaline water
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, soft and acidic
- Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Hardness: 1–12 dGH
- Flow: Slow
- Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres for a group of six or more
Final Notes
Keep at least six, ideally ten or more, so male displays are spread among the group and colours develop fully. Males are larger and more colourful with elongated fins and a blue iris, while females show a green iris. Spawning is straightforward in pairs or groups over fine-leaved plants. Provide dim lighting, driftwood, leaf litter and floating plants; the emperor tetra rewards a shaded, tannin-stained tank with a rich metallic sheen.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.