Imperial Lapis Tetra – Rare Sapphire-Blue Schooling Fish for Planted Aquariums
The Imperial Lapis Tetra is a stunning and uncommon tetra species known for its vivid sapphire-blue body, subtle golden highlights, and peaceful schooling behavior. Ideal for nano and planted aquariums, this shimmering fish brings elegant contrast and motion to your tank. When kept in groups, they display enhanced coloration and coordinated swimming that’s mesmerizing to watch.
Still relatively new to the aquarium hobby, Imperial Lapis Tetras (believed to be a variant or undescribed species within the Hyphessobrycon genus) are prized for their deep blue iridescence and compatibility with other small, peaceful tankmates.
Common Name: Imperial Lapis Tetra
Likely Genus: Hyphessobrycon sp.
Size Shipped: ~0.5–0.75” juveniles
Adult Size: ~1.25–1.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
Swimming Level: Mid to upper water column
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Origin: Tank-raised (not wild-caught)
Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
GH: 2 – 10
KH: 1 – 5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (20+ gallons recommended for schools)
Aquascape: Planted tanks with open swimming space, dark substrate enhances color
Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with stable water conditions
✔ Brilliant sapphire-blue coloration rarely seen in tetras
✔ Peaceful nature — great for shrimp-safe community tanks
✔ Schooling behavior adds coordinated motion and energy
✔ Ideal for planted, blackwater, or minimalist aquascapes
✔ Tank-raised and hardy when given stable water conditions
Micro pellets and crushed flake food
Live or frozen: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
The Imperial Lapis Tetra is a hidden gem in the freshwater world—perfect for aquarists looking to add rare color and elegance to a peaceful aquarium setup. Keep them in groups of 6 or more to enjoy their full potential in color, behavior, and vitality.
Imperial Lapis Tetra – Rare Sapphire-Blue Schooling Fish for Planted Aquariums
The Imperial Lapis Tetra is a stunning and uncommon tetra species known for its vivid sapphire-blue body, subtle golden highlights, and peaceful schooling behavior. Ideal for nano and planted aquariums, this shimmering fish brings elegant contrast and motion to your tank. When kept in groups, they display enhanced coloration and coordinated swimming that’s mesmerizing to watch.
Still relatively new to the aquarium hobby, Imperial Lapis Tetras (believed to be a variant or undescribed species within the Hyphessobrycon genus) are prized for their deep blue iridescence and compatibility with other small, peaceful tankmates.
Common Name: Imperial Lapis Tetra
Likely Genus: Hyphessobrycon sp.
Size Shipped: ~0.5–0.75” juveniles
Adult Size: ~1.25–1.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
Swimming Level: Mid to upper water column
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Origin: Tank-raised (not wild-caught)
Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
GH: 2 – 10
KH: 1 – 5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (20+ gallons recommended for schools)
Aquascape: Planted tanks with open swimming space, dark substrate enhances color
Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with stable water conditions
✔ Brilliant sapphire-blue coloration rarely seen in tetras
✔ Peaceful nature — great for shrimp-safe community tanks
✔ Schooling behavior adds coordinated motion and energy
✔ Ideal for planted, blackwater, or minimalist aquascapes
✔ Tank-raised and hardy when given stable water conditions
Micro pellets and crushed flake food
Live or frozen: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions
The Imperial Lapis Tetra is a hidden gem in the freshwater world—perfect for aquarists looking to add rare color and elegance to a peaceful aquarium setup. Keep them in groups of 6 or more to enjoy their full potential in color, behavior, and vitality.
