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Inpaichthys kerri, also known as Super Blue or Royal Tetra, is a small Amazonian characid valued for its metallic blue sheen and peaceful behavior. Native to Brazil, it inhabits slow-moving waters that are often tinted, where vegetation and filtered light enhance its colors. This schooling fish does best in groups and suits a well-planned community aquarium. The species is wild collected, making it important to respect its needs and purchase it from a responsible supplier. Its aquarium availability is intermediate: it is less common than several popular tetras, but it is not exceptionally rare.

General species description

Inpaichthys kerri is a small, elongated schooling fish that remains active without being overly restless and usually occupies the middle level of the aquarium. Its main attraction is a steel-blue to royal-blue body color, especially vivid in healthy males. Like many characids, it becomes more confident when kept in a group of at least six, preferably more. Its generally peaceful and social temperament makes it a good choice for a calm community aquarium with similarly sized tankmates. Stable water, gentle filtration and shaded areas help encourage natural behavior.

Geographic origin and biotope

This species is endemic to Brazil, in the Madeira basin, particularly around the rio Aripuanã. It inhabits small forest streams, tributaries and slow-flowing areas where sunlight is filtered by shoreline vegetation. The water may be soft, acidic and slightly amber, with low mineral content and accumulated leaf litter. In an aquarium, roots, floating plants and moderate lighting better reproduce this setting. Very hard or strongly alkaline water is less suitable for its long-term maintenance.

Precise location and local name

The reference locality lies in the rio Aripuanã basin, a Madeira tributary in the Brazilian Amazon. In the aquarium trade, Inpaichthys kerri is mainly sold under the names Super Blue Tetra, Royal Tetra or Blue Emperor Tetra. These names emphasize its blue coloration rather than a regional vernacular name. Its naturally limited range partly explains why it is offered less consistently than the neon tetra or cardinal tetra. Wild specimens should be acclimated gradually and given careful quarantine.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Inpaichthys kerri is streamlined, laterally compressed and covered with small reflective scales. A metallic blue coloration extends along the sides, while the fins may show amber or reddish tones depending on sex, age and condition. Adult males are often more intensely colored and have more developed fins; females usually have a fuller body, especially when carrying eggs. Adult size remains modest, at about 3.5 cm. Dim lighting and a dark background significantly enhance its colors.

General diet

Inpaichthys kerri is an omnivore that benefits from a varied diet made of small foods. It generally accepts fine flakes and quality micro-pellets, but condition and coloration improve with regular additions of frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp and small mosquito larvae. Portions should be small enough for the entire school to finish quickly. A varied diet offered in moderate amounts helps limit waste and supports growth. Juveniles may receive several small meals daily, while adults generally do well with one or two controlled feedings.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Aripuanã
• Local name used: Super Blue Tetra; Royal Tetra
• Scientific name origin: The genus combines INPA, the National Institute of Amazonian Research, and ichthys, meaning “fish.”
• Etymology of the full name: Inpaichthys means “fish of INPA”; kerri honors Warwick Estevam Kerr.
• Common/vernacular names: Super Blue Tetra, Royal Tetra, Blue Emperor Tetra
• Family: Characidae
• Subfamily: Characinae
• Name pronunciation: in-pay-ik-this - kair-ee
• Discovery: Jacques Géry, 1977
• Maximum adult size: About 3.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 5.0 to 7.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Small forest streams, often amber soft water, dense shoreline vegetation, submerged leaves and roots
• Typical tankmates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Nannostomus eques and other peaceful small characids
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling and active in midwater; keep in a group
• Water depth: Shallow to medium-depth areas of small tributaries
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are often more colorful and slender; females are rounder
• Bottom and current: Sandy or fine substrate, leaf litter and roots; slow to moderate flow

In your aquarium

To keep Inpaichthys kerri successfully, use a mature, covered aquarium furnished with plants, roots and shaded areas. A group of at least six reduces shyness and encourages natural interactions. Maintain soft, acidic to neutral water, a stable temperature and a moderate current. A varied diet and slow acclimation are especially important for wild specimens. Avoid aggressive or oversized tankmates: stable water conditions and a peaceful environment are the keys to strong coloration and long-term health.