Kerry or False Royal Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri)

Aquarium enthusiasts love the freshwater species of Inpaichthys kerri, also known as the False Royal Tetra or Kerry Tetra. It is a delightful addition to any home aquarium because of its vivid blue and violet hues as well as its calm and active personality.

Because of its ease of maintenance, this species is appropriate for both novice and seasoned aquarists. Fish known as kerry tetras are gregarious and prefer to live in groups, where they display interesting behaviors and interactions. They prefer comparable circumstances in captivity because they are native to Brazil’s slow-moving waters.

Habitat and habitat

South America: Brazil’s Mato Grosso state; Aripuanan River; upper Madeira River basin.

Primarily lives in wooded areas along the main river channel’s slow-moving tributaries.

Because of the tannins and other chemicals released from decomposing organic matter, the water in these biotopes is frequently colored brown and extremely acidic.

Description

The brilliant violet-blue color of the Purple Emperor Tetra is striking. Their dorsal fins are colored in different shades of red, while their translucent pelvic, anal, and caudal fins are colored yellow.

Males and females have different colors; the male’s adipose fin is blue, and his dorsal fin is longer. The pectoral and anal fins have a blue tint, but the remaining fins are transparent. Light blue to purple color on the back. A broad, dark blue stripe that is iridescent or shimmering extends from the snout, through the eye, and ends at the caudal fin. The color is light blue below the stripe until it reaches the belly, at which point it turns beige.

The adipose fin of the female is reddish, but she also has an elongated dorsal fin. In reflected light, the area above her wide black line appears beige with a silvery-blue tint, rather than blue. The abdomen is white, with a hint of silver at times.

The Inpaichthys kerri "Super Blue" variant of the Kerry tetra is currently available for purchase.

Size

3.5 cm is the maximum standard length.

Aquarium

An aquarium measuring roughly 60 * 40 * 30 cm and with a capacity of 70 liters is required for a small group of these fish. Arranging the aquarium’s biotope is a fairly simple task. Utilize river sand as the substrate, then incorporate branches, driftwood, and twisted roots.

A few handfuls of dry leaves—you can use oak or beech leaves—will finish creating a natural biotope. Natural waters do not contain aquatic plants in their natural habitat. Driftwood and leaves will give the water a tinge of weak tea; to keep the leaves from rotting and contaminating the water, replace them every few weeks.

To help replicate natural conditions and create "black water," a small mesh bag filled with peat can be added to the filter or peat concentrate can be used. Make use of relatively low lighting.

An alternative biotope that would be ideal for Inpaichthys kerri would be an aquarium with lots of plants and open swimming spaces.

Water parameters:

24-27°C is the temperature. pH range: 5.5–7.0 Hardness: DGH 1–12

Avoiding alkaline conditions is advised.

A popular choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists, the Kerry, also known as the False Royal Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri), is a colorful and resilient fish that brings a pop of color to any aquarium. Its distinct blue and purple colors provide a striking contrast to other species, and its easy care requirements and peaceful nature make it the perfect choice for community tanks. Ensuring a healthy and thriving environment for this stunning tetra requires an understanding of its habitat requirements and social behavior.

Behaviour and compatibility

Kerry or Untrue Small and calm, the Royal Tetra fish species does not compete with larger or more aggressive tankmates. The ideal home for them would be among other South American species, such as peaceful bottom dwellers like corydoras and otocinclus, small tetras, nanostomus, wedge-bellied fish, and Apistogramma or other dwarf cichlids. Additionally, peaceful barbs, rasboras, and small gouramis will work well with them.

They have an unjustified reputation for being fin-nibbling fish. However, when kept in small numbers, this kind of behavior usually occurs. Any aggression will usually stay inside the school if a group of six is purchased. Additionally, these fish will undoubtedly do better in larger/tighter schools, and their behavior and coloration will be more intriguing.

Feeding

No unique specifications. In addition to accepting any prepared dry food, Kerry Tetra should regularly be given small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, etc. Full development and improved coloring can be achieved with a diverse diet.

Sexual Dimorphism

Compared to men, females are significantly less colorful and have more rounded bodies. Additionally, females have an adipose fin that is primarily red, whereas males have a blue fin.

Breeding

Frequently bred in confinement. If you want to raise a respectable number of fry, you will need to purchase a separate aquarium for use as a spawning tank. For a group of fish, something about 45 x 25 x 25 cm in size; for a pair, something slightly smaller.

Because the eggs and juveniles of this species are light-sensitive, the lighting in this tank should be extremely low. To give fish a place to lay their eggs, add bunches of small-leaved plants like Java moss or artificial spawning sponges.

As an alternative, you could place some mesh over the spawning tank’s base and bottom. The mesh size ought to be just right—big enough to let the eggs through, but not so tiny that the producers can’t get to them. Given that reverse osmosis water will be utilized, filtering through peat is a helpful addition.

To filter, all you need is a small air filter sponge with a gentle bubbling action.

The spawning tank’s water should have the following parameters: a pH of 5.5–6.5, a Gh of 1–5, and a temperature of roughly 25–28°C. The water should also be soft and acidic.

For maximum effectiveness, spawning can occur in a group of six individuals of each sex.

As an alternative, spawning may occur in pairs. Groups of males and females are kept apart in tanks when employing this method. Choose the best breeders from them (the plumper females and the brightest, most active males) when the females have clearly gained eggs and the males have developed bright colors. It is best to move them to the spawning tank in the evening. Usually, the following morning is when they spawn.

Regardless, the producers should be eliminated right away after spawning since they consume the eggs. In 24 to 48 hours, larvae hatch, and in 3–4 days, fry are able to swim freely. Infusoria is used as a starting feed for the first several days, typically for 10 to 12 days, until the fry are big enough to take nematodes or brine shrimp nauplii.

Three to five years, depending on the circumstances.

A remarkable addition to any freshwater aquarium, the Kerry Tetra is renowned for its vivid colors and serene disposition. It is a favorite of both novice and expert aquarists due to its versatility in different water conditions.

These fish can remain vibrant and healthy with proper care, which includes a well-balanced diet and a clean aquarium. They bring vibrancy and color to your aquatic arrangement and flourish in a community tank with other calm species.

The Kerry Tetra is an excellent option if you’re searching for a vibrant and lovely fish to add some style and energy to your aquarium.

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