Lemon Tetra care guide
Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 23-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.
Overview
The Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is a small characid native to the Tapajós basin in Brazil. Adults display a translucent yellow body, a black-and-yellow edged anal fin and striking red eye iris.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Habitat
Native to clear, slow-moving tributaries of the lower Tapajós river system in Pará, Brazil, with sandy substrates, leaf litter and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore. In aquaria it accepts micro-pellets, fine flakes and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water shoaling species. Keep a group of at least six in a planted, dimly lit aquarium. Suitable companions include other small characins, Corydoras and dwarf cichlids of similar size.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Spawning is induced by soft, acidic water and bright morning lighting on fine-leaved plants. Remove the parents after spawning.