What size tank do emperor tetras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Nematobrycon palmeri.
How many emperor tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if emperor tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many emperor tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 11 |
| 29 gallon | up to 16 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 22 |
| 55 gallon | up to 31 |
| 75 gallon | up to 43 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check emperor tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, emperor tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for emperor tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Bronze corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
- Bloodfin tetra
- Honey gourami
- Threadfin rainbowfish
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as emperor tetra.
- Molly: They need different water: Emperor tetra likes a pH of 5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do emperor tetras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many emperor tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Emperor tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can emperor tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Emperor tetra needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do emperor tetras need?
73–81 °F (23–27 °C), with a pH of 5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can emperor tetras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Bloodfin tetra
- Buenos Aires tetra
- Diamond tetra
- Bleeding heart tetra
- X-ray tetra
- Green neon tetra
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.