Black Emperor Tetra 3-5cm

Description

Black Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

Sophisticated, peaceful and full of charm, the Black Emperor Tetra is a striking dark colour variety of the classic Emperor Tetra. Its velvety black body, shimmering blue iridescence and graceful flowing fins make it an exceptional schooling fish for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Nematobrycon palmeri
  • Common name: Black Emperor Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Adult size: 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful and active
  • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more (8–12 preferred)

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want an elegant schooling fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You enjoy peaceful community fish with unique colouration.
  • You keep South American-themed aquariums.
  • You appreciate active fish with interesting social behaviour.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You keep large predatory fish.
  • You plan to keep fewer than six individuals.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
  • You keep aggressive fin-nipping species.

Why choose the Black Emperor Tetra?

The Black Emperor Tetra combines understated elegance with fascinating behaviour. Mature males develop a rich charcoal to jet-black body accented by metallic blue highlights, elongated dorsal and anal fins, and the distinctive three-pointed tail that Emperor Tetras are famous for.

Unlike many schooling fish that simply swim together, Emperor Tetras establish gentle social hierarchies. Males regularly display to one another by extending their fins and intensifying their colours, adding constant movement and interest without serious aggression.

Against dark substrates and lush green plants, their deep colouration creates a dramatic contrast that makes them a true feature species in any peaceful community aquarium.

Benefits

  • Elegant black colouration with metallic blue highlights
  • Beautiful flowing finnage in mature males
  • Peaceful and easy to care for
  • Excellent for planted community aquariums
  • Interesting natural display behaviour
  • Long-lived and hardy when properly maintained

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other small frozen foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle flow
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
  • Keep them in groups to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maintain their rich colouration.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Apistogramma species
  • Honey Gouramis
NTA Insight:
Black Emperor Tetras are at their most impressive when kept in larger schools. Mature males develop deeper colouration and regularly perform peaceful display rituals that showcase their extended fins. A dark substrate, driftwood and subdued lighting help maximise their velvety appearance while creating a beautiful contrast with live plants.

FAQ

How many Black Emperor Tetras should I keep?

Keep at least six together, although groups of eight to twelve produce the most natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.

Are Black Emperor Tetras aggressive?

No. They are peaceful community fish. Males may display to each other, but this behaviour is largely harmless and part of their natural social interactions.

What should I feed them?

A varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia will keep them healthy and bring out their best colours.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp are generally safe, but very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Can they breed in aquariums?

Yes. They may spawn in mature aquariums, although raising the fry is much easier in a separate breeding setup.

How long do they live?

With excellent care and stable water conditions, Black Emperor Tetras commonly live between 5 and 7 years.

Do they require live plants?

Live plants are not essential, but they thrive in planted aquariums that provide shade, security and open swimming areas.

Black Emperor Tetra 3-5cm

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šŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 7 August 2026

 

$6.00


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    Description

    Black Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

    Sophisticated, peaceful and full of charm, the Black Emperor Tetra is a striking dark colour variety of the classic Emperor Tetra. Its velvety black body, shimmering blue iridescence and graceful flowing fins make it an exceptional schooling fish for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Nematobrycon palmeri
    • Common name: Black Emperor Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Adult size: 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful and active
    • Best kept: Schools of 6 or more (8–12 preferred)

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want an elegant schooling fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You enjoy peaceful community fish with unique colouration.
    • You keep South American-themed aquariums.
    • You appreciate active fish with interesting social behaviour.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You keep large predatory fish.
    • You plan to keep fewer than six individuals.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
    • You keep aggressive fin-nipping species.

    Why choose the Black Emperor Tetra?

    The Black Emperor Tetra combines understated elegance with fascinating behaviour. Mature males develop a rich charcoal to jet-black body accented by metallic blue highlights, elongated dorsal and anal fins, and the distinctive three-pointed tail that Emperor Tetras are famous for.

    Unlike many schooling fish that simply swim together, Emperor Tetras establish gentle social hierarchies. Males regularly display to one another by extending their fins and intensifying their colours, adding constant movement and interest without serious aggression.

    Against dark substrates and lush green plants, their deep colouration creates a dramatic contrast that makes them a true feature species in any peaceful community aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Elegant black colouration with metallic blue highlights
    • Beautiful flowing finnage in mature males
    • Peaceful and easy to care for
    • Excellent for planted community aquariums
    • Interesting natural display behaviour
    • Long-lived and hardy when properly maintained

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other small frozen foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle flow
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
    • Keep them in groups to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maintain their rich colouration.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Apistogramma species
    • Honey Gouramis
    NTA Insight:
    Black Emperor Tetras are at their most impressive when kept in larger schools. Mature males develop deeper colouration and regularly perform peaceful display rituals that showcase their extended fins. A dark substrate, driftwood and subdued lighting help maximise their velvety appearance while creating a beautiful contrast with live plants.

    FAQ

    How many Black Emperor Tetras should I keep?

    Keep at least six together, although groups of eight to twelve produce the most natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.

    Are Black Emperor Tetras aggressive?

    No. They are peaceful community fish. Males may display to each other, but this behaviour is largely harmless and part of their natural social interactions.

    What should I feed them?

    A varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia will keep them healthy and bring out their best colours.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp are generally safe, but very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

    Can they breed in aquariums?

    Yes. They may spawn in mature aquariums, although raising the fry is much easier in a separate breeding setup.

    How long do they live?

    With excellent care and stable water conditions, Black Emperor Tetras commonly live between 5 and 7 years.

    Do they require live plants?

    Live plants are not essential, but they thrive in planted aquariums that provide shade, security and open swimming areas.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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