Black Emperor Tetra
Black Emperor Tetra
Black Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri 'Amphiloxus Black') is a captive-developed melanistic color morph of the Emperor Tetra — the body coloration is dramatically darkened to deep charcoal-black, while the most striking features are retained: the vivid turquoise-blue eyes glow even more intensely against the dark body, and males develop the same spectacular trident tail extensions and territorial display behavior as the standard form.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
The melanistic coloration is a selectively developed aquarium strain — the trade designation 'Amphiloxus Black' reflects its origins in selective breeding. All care requirements are identical to the standard Emperor Tetra.
Keep in mixed-sex groups of at least 6. Males display the same spectacular territorial fin-spreading as the standard form — the dark body makes the turquoise eyes appear even more luminous during these displays.
Excellent for planted aquariums where the dark body creates a dramatic silhouette against green foliage. The turquoise eye provides the only vivid color accent.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males territorial with each other |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum — mixed sexes |
| Ideal Temp | 73–81°F (23–27°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Captive-bred melanistic strain (wild ancestry San Juan/Atrato, Colombia) |
| Notes | Melanistic color morph — deep charcoal-black body. Trade name 'Amphiloxus Black'. Turquoise eyes more vivid against dark body. Same care and behavior as standard Emperor. |
