Species · Nematobrycon palmeri

Emperor tetra: tank size, water and tank mates

Peaceful; males territorial among themselves.

Adult size4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Minimum tank30 US gal
Temperature23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
pH5.5–7.5
Temperamentpeaceful
Keep in groups of6+
Swimsmid
Shrimp & snailsUsually safe

Check a tank with Emperor tetra

Good tank mates for Emperor tetra

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African dwarf frog · Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Amano shrimp · Assassin snail · Banjo catfish · Betta (male) · Black neon tetra · Black phantom tetra · Black ruby barb · Black skirt tetra · Bleeding heart tetra · Bloodfin tetra · Bristlenose pleco · Bronze corydoras · Buenos Aires tetra · Bumblebee goby · Cardinal tetra · Celestial pearl danio · Checkerboard barb · Cherry barb · Cherry shrimp · Chili rasbora · Clown killifish · Clown pleco

Avoid with Emperor tetra

Banded archerfish (predation) · Black ghost knifefish (predation) · Common / comet goldfish (temperature) · Convict cichlid (aggression) · Demasoni cichlid (aggression) · Discus (temperature) · Fancy goldfish (temperature) · Jack Dempsey (predation) · Jewel cichlid (aggression) · Medaka (temperature) · Oscar (predation) · Paradise fish (temperature) · Pea puffer (aggression) · Rosy barb (temperature) · Senegal bichir (predation) · Striped raphael catfish (predation) · Tinfoil barb (predation) · White cloud mountain minnow (temperature)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: medium. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.