Royal tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

The Royal Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) may be the ideal addition to your aquarium if you want to give it a hint of regal elegance. Renowned for its vivid hues and elegant motions, this diminutive fish makes a significant visual impression. It’s understandable why so many aquarium enthusiasts are drawn to this stunning species given its striking appearance.

The slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin are home to the Royal Tetra, which is native to South American rivers and streams. Its natural habitat provides an insight into the tastes of the fish, enabling you to design a suitable habitat in your own aquarium. You can make sure your new aquatic friend has a happy and healthy home by simulating its natural environment.

The Royal Tetra’s iridescent scales, which shimmer in blue and purple hues, are among its most alluring characteristics. When the fish are given proper care and are kept in ideal conditions, their colors become even more vivid. You can have an amazing display of color in your aquarium with the right tank mates and some care for the water quality.

The Royal Tetra is a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned fish keepers because of how simple it is to care for. Its peaceful nature and good social skills make it a desirable addition to any community tank. The Royal Tetra will look great in any aquarium, whether you’re building a new one from scratch or trying to improve an old one.

Nematobrycon palmeri, also known as the Royal Tetra, is a gorgeous and colorful fish that livens up any freshwater aquarium. This species, which is native to Colombia’s leisurely-moving rivers and streams, is well-known for its eye-catching iridescent scales and serene disposition, which make it a great option for community tanks. This article will discuss the factors that make the Royal Tetra a popular aquarium fish, such as how to maintain its stunning appearance, the right tank conditions, and the amount of care it needs. You’ll find advice and insights to help maintain the health and well-being of your Royal Tetras, regardless of experience level.

Habitat and habitat

South America: typical habitats of the Rio Condoto and Novita rivers, Rio Tamana, southwest Colombia; endemic to the San Juan and Atrato river basins in Colombia.

Originally from backwaters, tiny tributaries, and forest streams, they now live in areas with weak currents.

Description

The body is long and somewhat flattened at the sides, with a sharply curved back line. Teeth are clearly visible, and the jaws are short.

The body has a creamy abdomen and a pinkish-brown color with a purple or bluish tint. Fins have a greenish-yellow tint and are transparent. A black stripe that runs from the snout to the tail has a distinct upper contour and a blurred lower one. Dark blue paint is used on the sides that are below the line. The anal fin has a yellow border and a black line. The first ray on the dorsal fin, the braid, and the outer rays of the tail are all black. possesses emerald blue eyes that are highly expressive.

The long central rays give the caudal fin its distinctive, highly recognizable three-lobed shape. The initial rays on the dorsal fin have a sword-like form. Adipose tissue is lacking.

Size:

Females are slightly smaller, and males can reach lengths of up to 50 mm.

Behavior and compatibility

Ideally maintained in clusters of five or more people, mostly female.

This fish is calm and lively, and its colors make a nice contrast to many other species’ colors. Perfect complement to a community aquarium with other calm fish. Fit for placid, similarly sized carp and characin fish. Joint keeping is appropriate for apistograms and other dwarf cichlids, corydoras and other peaceful bottom dwellers, and smaller loricariids.

In terms of territory, the group always has a dominant male who holds the most territory. Males swim slightly forward to protect their belongings, and their raised tail, which is now angled at a 45-degree angle, resembles a crown.

Since this is a schooling species, try to purchase as many as you can in groups of ten or more. This will make the fish more gregarious, less bashful, more visible, and more likely to behave naturally.

Aquarium

An aquarium that is at least 90 by 30 cm in size is required to house a small group; one that is 80 liters will do.

The coloring is most striking when viewed against the backdrop of densely vegetated islands, driftwood, and dark soil. There should be dense planting in the aquarium in addition to areas that are not suitable for swimming. Thai fern, Echinodorus, Vallisneria, Aponogeton crispa, and Cryptocorynes are excellent choices for this. The use of floating plants produces soft, diffused lighting.

The fish are jumping, so the aquarium needs a lid.

Water parameters:

In the range of 23 to 27 °C pH range: 5.0 to 8.0 Hardness range: 5–19° dGH

About 25% of water changes are done on a regular basis. It is best to incorporate the peat extract.

Nutrition

In the wild, they consume algae, tiny crustaceans and invertebrates, insects that land on the water’s surface, and their larvae.

Although they are omnivores and can survive in aquariums on dry food, like most fish, they prefer a varied diet, which in this case includes frozen and live food.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have longer, more pointed caudal and dorsal fins, are larger and brighter, and have a darker border around their anal fin. The abdomens of women are more rounded. Irises are green on females and blue on males.

Able to procreate between the ages of 7 and 12.

Breeding

Able to procreate in a shared aquarium as well as a separate one. Although it is preferable to plant the producers in a ratio of two females to one male, spawning can occur in pairs.

A 20-liter spawning aquarium contains small-leaved plants and a separator net. There are roughly 15 cm of water.

The spawning tank’s water should have the following parameters: dH 4–8, pH 6–6.8, soft and acidic water in the 26–28°C range.

The breeders are housed apart for two weeks in order to encourage spawning, and their diet consists primarily of frozen and live food.

The female can only produce up to 150 eggs per year. Parents are eliminated as soon as they spawn. The aquarium is darkened and the water level drops to 7–10 cm.

The young swim and feed on days four to six after the eggs are incubated for one to two days. The fry initially accept rotifers and infusoria. Artemia, as the nauplii expand.

A dark longitudinal stripe appears at one month of age; one week earlier, they start swimming at an angle, which is characteristic of adult fish.

An aquarium’s lifespan is roughly five years.

Aspect Details
Common Name Royal Tetra
Scientific Name Nematobrycon palmeri
Origin South America, mainly Colombia
Size Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Color Shiny blue body with red fins
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons
Water Conditions pH 5.5-7.5, Temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Diet Omnivorous; enjoys flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food
Behavior Peaceful, prefers to be in schools
Tank Mates Other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and small catfish
Breeding Egg scatterer, requires soft water and good plant cover
Care Level Moderate; needs stable water conditions and regular feeding

A remarkable option for any aquarium enthusiast is the Royal Tetra. It really catches the eye with its vivid colors and graceful fins. Beyond just being gorgeous, it’s a resilient fish that does well in a variety of tank setups, making it a fantastic choice for novice and seasoned hobbyists alike.

The fact that Royal Tetras do best in groups is one important thing to keep in mind. Their natural behaviors are displayed and they feel more secure when they attend schools with six or more students. This social component gives your tank an additional dose of vibrancy.

A community tank can benefit from the charming addition of the Royal Tetra, given its peaceful nature and relatively simple care requirements. They blend in well with a wide variety of other species, giving your aquatic setup more color and movement. You’ll be treated to a vibrant and lovely show if you just make sure they have the proper tank mates and surroundings.

Video on the topic

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ROYAL TETRA OR PALMERI.MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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