Lemon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Lemon Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in)
Aquarium size
60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
21–26 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
3–8 dGH
KH
3–8 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 6 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 3–8 dGH, KH 3–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Lemon Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Lemon Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 10+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–27 °C Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 23–26 °C Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 20–26 °C Black Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5 cm (≤ 1.4 in) 22–27 °C Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.5 cm (≤ 1 in) 20–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Lemon Tetra get?

Lemon Tetra reaches ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in).

What aquarium size does Lemon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 60 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.

Is Lemon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Lemon Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Lemon Tetra?

Keep it between 21 to 26 °C.

Should Lemon Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Lemon Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.

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