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Hey all. I got more questions about blue emperor tetra now.
The 8 blue emperor tetras I bought weeks ago are now living fine in my new tank. But it appears that all of them are females!
From Bruce :

female Blue Emps have a very definite orange-colored adipose fin, while the males have an adipose fin which (like their other fins) has no strong color to it.

And all of my blue emperor tetras have a brownish adipose fin. I am just wondering, would it be possible that some of them are male and their adipose fins color would change from brownish to blueish(or colorless) when they grow up?
They are now 1 inch long and not showing any purpleish/blueish on their bodies at all (only a hint of blueish near their eyes under sunshine)


Again, thanks a lot in advance!

Sorry, I am Brazilian and not know the entire English fish name yet.

But, if the fish that you talking are Nematobrycon palmeri, there are easy to know:

Male have blue eye and female have green eye.

Tanks for all, good luck for your tetras!

Thanks for the reply! but I think the one u got is actually emperor tetra (not sure if it's a close relative to blue emperor tetra tho) the real name for blue emperor tetra is Inpaichthys kerri. Again, thanks for the info

Yes -- Blue Emperors (which come from southern Brazil) were not discovered until 1977. They are completely different fish from regular Emperors (and much smaller).

Unfortunately, Patson, I think you really are stuck with a bunch of females -- I haven't seen any signs so far that young males have the same orange adipose fin as females. You'll just have to try again. (At least, when you DO get some males, they'll be happier -- which I suppose means they might end up even brighter-colored...)

oic..all of them are females..screw it!
hehe..I just ordered 6 more online (and I put a note that I want males this time..lol, then a lady called me and said there's no guarantee and too hard to tell if they r males r not..blah.blah.blah)]:| ...hm...they will arrive today..guess I will just keep my fingers crossed

Anyway, I tried almost all LHS around San Diego area..only a bigger one told me they once carried blue emperor tetra, but was like 5 months ago ...Do anyone know any BIG LHS that sells blue emperor tetras around southern California?

hehe...anyway, I will see what I get today first..afterall 13 emperor tetras in a 26 gallon with 3 guppies is pretty packed

Sorry, sorry.. I know this fish by the name of royal tetra.
Males are more colorful on this body and very active. Female are a quit longer and bigger, and look like a quit fat; and like you said, have a light orange adipose fin. Usually lives in school.

Good luck.