Our Guide To Keeping Imperial Lapis Tetra Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon sp. 'Imperial Lapis'
   • Common name: Imperial Lapis Tetra
   • Family: Acestrorhamphidae
   • Origin: South America, with fish in the trade associated with Brazil
   • Adult length: Up to around 5 to 6 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish

2. Tank Setup:

   • Imperial Lapis Tetras do best in a well-planted aquarium with open swimming space and darker areas for security. A minimum tank size of around 60L to 90L is suitable for a small group, though a larger aquarium is better for a bigger shoal.
   • Use driftwood, leaf litter, floating plants, and a darker substrate to help them feel secure and show their best colouration.
   • As a shoaling species, they should be kept in groups of at least six to eight fish, though larger groups are always preferable.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Imperial Lapis Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of around 5.5 to 7.2.
   • Keep the water temperature between 23 to 28°C.
   • Soft to medium-hard water is generally preferred.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Gentle to moderate filtration is ideal, with clean, stable, and well-oxygenated water.
   • A moderate flow works well, but avoid excessive current in smaller aquariums.

5. Diet:

   • Imperial Lapis Tetras are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet of quality micro pellet or fine flake food.
   • They will also benefit from small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely sized bloodworm.
   • A varied diet helps maintain condition, colour, and natural behaviour.

6. Tank mates:

   • Imperial Lapis Tetras are peaceful and are best kept with other small, calm community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
   • Suitable tank mates may include other peaceful tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, Corydoras, and other gentle species.
   • Avoid large, aggressive, or very boisterous fish that may intimidate or outcompete them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Imperial Lapis Tetras are active shoaling fish that feel most secure when kept in a group.
   • They are best suited to peaceful community aquariums with subdued lighting, stable water quality, and plenty of visual cover.
   • Males may display to one another, but this is usually harmless in a properly sized aquarium with enough space.