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Lemon Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Complete Lemon Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 15 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Lemon Tetra

Quick Answer

Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is a bright yellow freshwater fish from South America. It requires a minimum 15 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is a bright yellow freshwater fish from South America. Its red eyes and translucent fins with black and yellow accents make it a standout in planted tanks.

Setup

A 15-gallon or larger aquarium with dense planting and dark substrate. They appreciate moderate lighting and open swimming areas. Well-filtered with gentle flow.

Feeding

Eats all standard aquarium foods: flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and brine shrimp. Accepts freeze-dried foods readily.

Compatibility

Very peaceful. Ideal for community tanks. Keep in schools of 6+. Good companions: other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lemon Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm). Lemon tetras (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) display clear lemon-yellow color and bright red eye accents that develop fully only in groups over 10. Groups under 6 cause faded coloration and fin-nipping. A school of 15+ creates natural shoaling dynamics. Provide dark substrate, dim lighting, and floating plants to enhance color. Tank length must exceed 24 inches (60 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for Lemon Tetras?
Target pH 6.0 - 7.5, General Hardness 3 - 10 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 2 - 8 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 250 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 160 - 500 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They prefer soft, slightly acidic water but adapt well to neutral parameters. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge or HOB filter with moderate flow. Add driftwood and Indian almond leaves to boost yellow coloration. Hardness below 3 dGH causes clamped fins.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Lemon Tetras?
They are omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed high-quality tropical flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes and blanched spinach weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are susceptible to ich; treat with malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L).
How to breed Lemon Tetras in captivity?
Select 10-12 mature fish and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of water (pH 6.5, dGH 4, 78°F/25.5°C), a spawning mop, and dim light. Simulate dawn over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female lays 200-300 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7. Keep tank dark first 5 days.

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