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Lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis)
Photo: Waugsberg · CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

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
Corydoras
Rasboras
Apistogramma
Avoid
Tiger barb
Large cichlids

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Intermediate
Sexing
Males have a black-edged anal fin.
Notes
Egg scatterer; parents eat eggs.
Common ailments
Ich
Fin rot
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