
Lemon tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis · Characidae
Also known as Lemon
Beginner
Pale yellow with lemon fin edges; a long-lived, undemanding mid-water shoaler.
In short: A lemon tetra needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 5.5–7.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 8 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 8+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 4–8 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Rio Tapajos basin, Brazil
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Clear and blackwater tributaries
- Natural conditions
- Soft to medium water, planted, moderate light.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 8 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasRasborasApistogramma
- Avoid
- Tiger barbLarge cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males have a black-edged anal fin.
- Notes
- Egg scatterer; parents eat eggs.
- Common ailments
- IchFin rot
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