Description

Species Care Guide: Super Blue Kerri Tetra

Inpaichthys kerri

The Super Blue Kerri Tetra is a highly desirable colour variant of the standard Kerri Tetra, native to the Rio Aripuanã basin in Brazil. They are relatively new to the hobby compared to other popular tetras, but their striking blue-purple coloration, especially when kept in a proper shoal, makes them a wonderful addition to a peaceful community aquarium.

1. Key Species Information

2. Aquarium Requirements

Like many tetras, Kerri Tetras thrive in a dimly lit, mature aquarium with soft water, reflecting the heavily vegetated, slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon.

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 Litres (approx. 13 Imperial Gallons) is the minimum for a small shoal (6-8 fish). A 100-litre tank or larger is preferred for bigger groups.
• Filtration: Standard biological and mechanical filtration is sufficient, but ensure the current is not strong.
• Substrate: Dark substrate (e.g., black or brown sand/fine gravel) is essential as it dramatically enhances their blue colouration and reduces stress.
• Decor and Scaping:
  • Heavy Planting: Use dense planting, particularly around the edges and background, leaving an open swimming space in the centre.
  • Botanicals: The addition of smooth driftwood, Catappa leaves, or Alder cones releases tannins, softening the water and creating a desirable “blackwater” effect that boosts their colour and immune system.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is best. Use floating plants (like Hornwort or Amazon Frogbit) to diffuse the light and mimic their shaded natural habitat.

3. Water Parameters

Kerri Tetras are quite adaptable but do best when parameters are kept stable, soft, and slightly acidic.

4. Diet and Feeding

The Super Blue Kerri Tetra is an opportunistic omnivore in the wild and should be given a varied diet in the aquarium to maintain their health and vibrant colour.

• Staple Diet: A high-quality, small, sinking flake or micro-pellet food should form the core of their diet.
• Protein Supplement: Offer frozen or freeze-dried foods regularly. They particularly enjoy Daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. These supplements are vital for conditioning and colour intensity.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts two or three times daily. Ensure all food is consumed within two minutes.

5. Compatibility and Group Dynamics

This species is highly social and should never be kept alone. They must be kept in a shoal of at least six individuals, though 10 or more is ideal. A larger shoal not only makes the fish feel secure but also encourages the males to display their best colours.

• Ideal Tank Mates:
  • Community Fish: Other peaceful, similar-sized tetras (like Neon or Ember Tetras), small, non-aggressive Rasboras, and peaceful bottom-dwellers such as Corydoras catfish and Otocinclus catfish.
  • Centrepiece Fish: They are suitable tank mates for peaceful dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma species) or the Pearl Gourami.
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive or Large Fish: Any Cichlids, aggressive Barbs, or fish large enough to view them as prey.
  • Fast-Moving or Boisterous Fish: These can stress the naturally reserved Kerri Tetra.

These striking Super Blue Kerri Tetras truly shine when housed in a well-planted tank with a dark substrate and plenty of driftwood!

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