Imperial Lapis Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. "Lapis Imperialis") – Tank Bred

For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.

With its dazzling deep blue coloration and elegant, slender shape, the Imperial Lapis Tetra is a truly regal addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium. This new and selectively bred variety displays iridescent sapphire hues across the body, often contrasted with subtle red or violet highlights in the fins. It thrives in groups, making it ideal for planted aquariums where its shimmering school can create a mesmerizing underwater effect.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Rich, Iridescent Coloration: Intense lapis-blue sheen that glows under aquarium lighting.
• Peaceful and Social: An excellent schooling fish for community tanks.
• Highly Active Swimmers: Brings constant movement and life to the aquarium.
• Tank-Bred: Sustainably bred and well-adapted to aquarium life.

Natural Habitat:

This tetra is a selectively bred variety developed from South American ancestors, likely related to species in the Hyphessobrycon genus. It is adapted to warm, soft, slightly acidic water with dense plant growth and gentle flow.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Ideal with lush greenery like Water Sprite, Amazon Sword, and Java Fern.
• Hardscape: Pair with driftwood, smooth river stones, and dark substrates to accentuate its color.
• Botanicals: Catappa leaves or alder cones can help replicate natural blackwater conditions. Aquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack has a great selection of premium botanicals curated for these tetras in mind.

Diet and Feeding:

Imperial Lapis Tetras are omnivores and accept a wide range of foods. Offer a varied diet for optimal color and health.

We recommend:
• Ultra Fresh Tropical Micro Pellets – Shrimp Delight Formula

• Live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms as treats.
• High-quality flake or micro-pellet food for daily feeding.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

This peaceful species does best in groups of 6 or more and pairs well with other small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid housing with fin-nippers or aggressive tankmates.

Shrimp Safe:

Generally safe with adult dwarf shrimp. May prey on very small shrimp fry, so dense cover is recommended for cohabitation.

Breeding:

Like many tetras, they scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants. Conditioning with live food and a separate breeding tank improves success.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 80° F (22° - 27° C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• KH: 2 – 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (schooling group)

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Offer variety and supplement with live/frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish, best in groups.
• Origin: Tank-bred.
• Average Adult Size: 1.2 inches (3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75 – 1 inch (2 – 2.5 cm)

Add a Touch of Royalty to Your Tank:

The Imperial Lapis Tetra lives up to its name with bold, jewel-toned beauty and peaceful schooling behavior. It’s an ideal choice for aquascapers, community tank keepers, and nano tank enthusiasts alike.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!