Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Minimum Tank
15 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Lemon Tetra
The lemon tetra is an understated yet charming fish native to the Tapajos River basin in Brazil. Its body is a translucent lemony-yellow that becomes more vibrant with age and good care, complemented by a brilliantly colored eye featuring a striking red upper half. The front edges of its dorsal and anal fins display a bold black and yellow contrast. Lemon tetras are often overlooked in stores where young specimens appear washed out, but well-conditioned adults in a mature tank develop surprisingly rich coloring. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that occupy the mid-water column and mix well with virtually any gentle community species.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 15-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Lemon tetras are hardy and adaptable, doing well in a range of conditions from slightly acidic to neutral water at 72-82°F. Keep them in schools of at least six, as their coloring improves significantly when they feel secure in a group. A mature, well-planted tank with a dark substrate brings out the best yellow tones. Young specimens in stores often look pale, but their color develops over time with proper nutrition. Feed quality flakes supplemented with frozen foods, and include some vegetable-based foods in their diet. They are excellent beginner tetras that reward patient keepers with increasingly beautiful coloring.
Quick Facts
57L
Min Tank (15gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
6yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Lemon Tetra
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Tank Mates for Lemon Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Lemon Tetra need?
A Lemon Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 15 gallons (57 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Lemon Tetra need?
Lemon Tetra thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Are Lemon Tetra easy to care for?
Lemon Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Lemon Tetra get and what do they eat?
Lemon Tetra reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Lemon tetras are hardy and adaptable, doing well in a range of conditions from slightly acidic to neutral water at 72-82°F. Keep them in schools of at least six, as their coloring improves significantly when they feel secure in a group. A mature, well-planted tank with a dark substrate brings out the best yellow tones. Young specimens in stores often look pale, but their color develops over time with proper nutrition. Feed quality flakes supplemented with frozen foods, and include some vegetable-based foods in their diet. They are excellent beginner tetras that reward patient keepers with increasingly beautiful coloring.