Care
The Rainbow Emperor Tetra is known from small, isolated, heavily vegetated pools within the headwaters of the Rio Calima, a tributary of the San Juan river basin in western Colombia. This is an ideal species for the spacious, mature, softwater planted aquarium. These beautiful and relatively peaceful shoaling fish should be housed in a well decorated tank that contains plenty of plants (rooted and floating) and spindly driftwood. Dried Indian Almond Leaves (
Terminalia catappa) could be placed on top of the substrate to create a more natural feel, and as these gradually decompose, they will release tannins that will not only help to acidify the water, but will also bring out the best colours of the fish (these leaves will require periodic replacement). Male fish sometimes spar with one another over territory or when vying for the attentions of the females, but no real harm should ensue; the displays are very eye-catching as the colours of the male fish intensify and the elongated fins are spread wide. However, this behaviour could become problematic in smaller quarters, so it is advisable to give these fish adequate space, despite the small adult size. It is always best to try and outnumber males with females wherever possible, which is easiest to achieve in larger groups. This will also have the added benefit of making the fish feel more secure, and will result in a more effective, natural looking shoal. Tankmates could include other species of similar size and temperament e.g. other small peaceable tetras,
Corydoras catfish, pencilfish, hatchetfish, dwarf cichlids such as
Apistogramma or
Mikrogeophagus spp., and some of the dwarf Loricariids. Avoid any slow, long-finned species. May also be seen on sale as Rainbow Tetra.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp and mosquito larvae.
BreedingThis species is easy to breed in the home aquarium. Small numbers of fry may appear from time to time in heavily planted aquaria, but if you wish to raise a larger number of young, a separate breeding aquarium should be set up. The water should be soft and acidic, ideally with a pH between 5.5-7.0 and a general hardness of Artemia nauplii) and microworm as they grow.
