Super Blue Kerri Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri)

Common Name

Super Blue Kerri Tetra

Scientific Name (hobby usage)

Inpaichthys kerri “Super Blue” domestic line

Origin and Habitat

Wild Inpaichthys kerri are native to the middle Amazon basin, especially the Rio Aripuanã system in the Madeira drainage, Brazil. They inhabit shaded forest creeks and river margins with gentle flow, submerged roots, leaf litter on sand, and dense aquatic vegetation. Water is soft, low in minerals, often tea-stained by tannins, and well-oxygenated by plants and surface exchange.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C); tolerates 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) with high oxygen. Wild pH usually 5.8–7.2, soft water. In aquaria, stability is far more important than exact wild parameters (except for dedicated breeding). Use gentle but efficient filtration, steady surface movement for oxygen, and optional botanicals/floating plants for shade and tannins.

Appearance and Size

The Super Blue line intensifies the natural sheen into a saturated cobalt band that glows along the flank—one of the deepest marine-style blues in freshwater fish. Body is slender with a charcoal midline and vivid blue field above that flashes brighter as the school turns. Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in). Males are slimmer with longer dorsal/anal fin points and stronger blue; females are slightly deeper-bodied with subtler sheen.

Diet in the Wild

Midwater micropredator—feeds on small insect larvae, microcrustaceans, zooplankton, drifting invertebrates, and fine biofilm from plant leaves.

Feeding in Captivity

Staple: high-quality micro-pellet or fine flake. Several times weekly offer baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and finely chopped bloodworms for color and condition. Include a little spirulina flake for gut health. Feed modest portions the school finishes in 1–2 minutes.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Active, peaceful, and highly social—keep 8 or more for tight schooling and maximum color.

• Tank size: 20-gallon long or larger
• Open swimming lanes with fine-leaved plants, driftwood, and leaf litter
• Flow: gentle to moderate with strong oxygenation

Great tankmates: small rasboras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and Corydoras. Avoid fin-nippers and overly boisterous species.

Breeding

Overview & Setup

Egg-scatterer; spawning is achievable with planning. Use a separate dimly lit breeding tank with a mesh bottom or thick mats of fine-leaved plants/Java moss.

Conditioning

Condition a small group at 77–79 °F (25–26 °C) with plentiful live/frozen foods. A slight drop in conductivity plus a small cool water change in the evening often triggers spawning.

Spawning & Fry Care

Spawning occurs at first light; adults scatter adhesive eggs among plants and will eat them—remove parents after the spawn. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry are free-swimming by day 3–4. Start with infusoria or liquid fry food → rotifers → newly hatched brine shrimp. Keep light low, water immaculate with tiny daily changes, and gentle aeration.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name (hobby): Inpaichthys kerri
• Line name: Super Blue Kerri Tetra (domestic)
• Origin: Rio Aripuanã system, Madeira drainage, Brazil
• Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in)
• Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C) preferred
• Wild pH: 5.8–7.2, soft; stability key in captivity
• Temperament: peaceful midwater schooler
• Diet: micropredator—quality micro foods + regular live/frozen supplements
• Breeding: egg-scatterer, dim light, fine plants or mesh, remove adults post-spawn

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

That electric blue is the show. Under calm lighting the school looks like a string of tiny LEDs pulsing across the tank—when they bank together the whole group flashes. Give them room to cruise, keep water steady and oxygen-rich, and feed small varied meals. They’ll repay you with constant motion and color that reads across the room.