Blue Emperor Tetra/ Kerri Tetra

Kerri Tetra Quick Guide Summary

Basics

• Scientific name: Inpaichthys kerri

• Common names: Kerri Tetra, Blue Emperor Tetra, Royal Blue Tetra

• Adult size: ~4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)

• Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (75 L)

• School size: Keep at least 8–10 (more = better behavior + coloration)

• Water temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• pH: 5.5–7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

• Current: Gentle

• Aquascape: Plants, dim lighting, dark substrate to enhance colors

Diet

• Type: Omnivore

• Foods:

  • High-quality micro-pellets

  • Flake foods

  • Live/frozen foods: daphnia, brine shrimp, micro-worms

• Feeding frequency: 1–2× daily in small portions

Behavior & Tankmates

• Peaceful; thrives in community tanks

• Good tankmates:

  • Other tetras (Neons, Embers, Lemons, etc.)

  • Rasboras

  • Corydoras

  • Dwarf shrimp (adults mostly safe)

  • Small peaceful gouramis

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers

  • Large or aggressive fish

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Method: Egg scatterer

• Tips:

  • Separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water

  • Provide fine-leaf plants or a spawning mop

  • Remove adults after spawning (they may eat eggs)

  • Eggs hatch in ~24–36 hours

Health & Tips

• Sensitive to poor water quality — keep up with weekly water changes

• Likes stable conditions, low stress

• Colors intensify in darker, plant-heavy tanks