Kerri Tetra (Impaichthys kerri)
The Kerri Tetra is a beautiful small South American tetra, admired for its subtle blue to purple sheen, peaceful nature and active shoaling behaviour. Also known as the Blue Emperor Tetra or Purple Emperor Tetra, this species looks especially attractive in planted aquariums with darker substrate, soft lighting and open swimming space. It is a peaceful community fish, but it is best kept in a proper group so that males can display naturally and the shoal remains confident.
Common Name:
Kerri Tetra. Also commonly referred to as the Blue Emperor Tetra, Purple Emperor Tetra, Royal Tetra, Emperor Kerri Tetra or Kerri Royal Tetra.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Inpaichthys kerri
| Size | Temperature | Water pH | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 cm (1 inch) | 22-26°C | 5.5-7.0 | 2-10 dGH |
FAQ
What is the ideal group size for Kerri Tetras?
Kerri Tetras should be kept in a group of at least 6 to ensure natural shoaling behaviour and confident swimming.
What type of aquarium setup works best for Kerri Tetras?
A planted aquarium with darker substrate, soft lighting, and ample open swimming space is ideal for showcasing their blue to purple sheen.
Are Kerri Tetras compatible with other fish species?
Yes, Kerri Tetras are peaceful and suitable for community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.

Ava Hamilton –
The Kerri Tetras are stunning with their soft blue-purple color. I kept them in a 20-gallon tank with java fern and dark sand. They swim actively in groups and look beautiful under soft lighting. Very peaceful and don’t stress other fish.
Caroline Newman –
I bought a group of six Kerri Tetras and they’ve been thriving for three months. They form a tight shoal and are active without being aggressive. The color is subtle but elegant, especially in a planted setup.
Lisa Grant –
Great addition to my community tank. The fish are calm and enjoy swimming together. I noticed their colors look best in dimmer lighting with darker background plants.