Lemon Tetra

Also known as: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

The Lemon Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish known for its translucent yellow-gold body and striking black and yellow fin markings. The Lemon Tetra originates from Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, inhabiting slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest areas with dense vegetation and leaf litter., reaches Adult size: 4-5 cm in captivity, typically lives 5-8 years, and is kept at 23-27°C (73-81°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, inhabiting slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest areas with dense vegetation and leaf litter.
Adult size: Adult size: 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 inches)
Life span: 5-8 years
Temperament: Peaceful and schooling; best kept in groups of 6 or more; non-aggressive toward tankmates but may nip long-finned fish if stressed or overcrowded.
Tank size: Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons) for a group of 6-8; recommended 80+ liters (21+ gallons) for larger schools or community tanks.
Water temp: 23-27°C (73-81°F)
pH range: 5.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms; supplement with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina.
Other names: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

About the Lemon Tetra

The Lemon Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish known for its translucent yellow-gold body and striking black and yellow fin markings. Native to the Amazon Basin, it thrives in soft, slightly acidic waters with abundant plant cover. It is a peaceful schooling species that displays natural behaviors best in groups of six or more. Its hardy nature and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for community aquariums.

Lifespan and health

With proper care, Lemon Tetras typically live 5-8 years in captivity, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 10 years under optimal conditions. Longevity is strongly influenced by diet quality, water stability, and stress levels; consistent feeding of varied, nutrient-rich food and minimal environmental disruption significantly extend lifespan. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) triggered by temperature drops or poor water quality, fin nipping from aggressive tankmates leading to secondary bacterial infections, and internal parasites from contaminated live food. Preventative measures include quarantining new fish, maintaining pH between 5.5-7.5 and hardness below 10 dGH, and avoiding overstocking; treat ich with gradual temperature increase to 28°C and appropriate medication, and address fin damage by isolating affected fish and improving water quality.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Tank setup should include a dark substrate, driftwood, and dense planting with species like Java moss, Amazon sword, or Vallisneria to mimic its natural habitat and provide hiding spots. Floating plants such as Salvinia or duckweed help diffuse light and reduce stress. A gentle filter with low flow is ideal, as strong currents can exhaust these small fish. Maintain stable water parameters with weekly 25% water changes; use a heater to keep temperature within 23-27°C and avoid sudden fluctuations. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful tetras (e.g., Neon, Cardinal, Ember), Corydoras catfish, small rasboras, and dwarf shrimp like Amano or Cherry shrimp; avoid large or aggressive species such as cichlids, barbs, or bettas that may view them as prey.

Adding a Lemon Tetra? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Related breeds

Leopard Danio

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Lemon Tetra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.