Lemon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae

📍 Tapajós River basin, Brazil

The lemon tetra is a classic, elegant fish with a translucent lemon-yellow body, vivid yellow dorsal and anal fins edged in black, and striking red eyes. It is a hardy, peaceful schooling fish that has been in the hobby for decades. The intensity of yellow colouration deepens considerably under warm, high-quality lighting in a planted tank.

Size1.5"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Lemon tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality small flake foods and micro pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and maintain optimal health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Lemon tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that display their best colors and behavior when kept in groups of 8 or more. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, darting and weaving through plants and open spaces. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species and show minimal fin-nipping tendencies, making them excellent community fish.

Breeding

Breeding lemon tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), dense vegetation or spawning mops, and slightly elevated temperatures around 26–27°C to trigger spawning. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry are extremely small; successful rearing requires infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter requirements; occupies bottom zone without competing for space

excellent

Neon Tetra

Similar size, water requirements, and peaceful schooling behavior; creates stunning visual display together

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Compatible schooling fish with matching water chemistry needs and peaceful community behavior

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space and plants to prevent territorial disputes

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp that occupy different ecological niches; lemon tetras may occasionally nip at shrimp but rarely cause harm

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects

Treatment

Gradually raise temperature to 28–29°C over 48 hours, maintain for 7–10 days; use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; perform 25% water changes every 2–3 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Perform 25% water change immediately; improve water quality through increased aeration and filtration; use antibacterial medication if condition worsens; isolate severely affected fish

Neon Tetra Disease

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, erratic swimming, lethargy, white stripe along lateral line fades

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread; maintain pristine water conditions; euthanize severely affected individuals to prevent transmission to healthy fish

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, loss of appetite, behavioral changes

Treatment

Perform 50% water change; improve water quality and reduce stocking density; use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate infected fish if possible