Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Characidae
About
The lemon tetra is a deep-bodied, diamond-shaped characin from the clearwater tributaries of the Tapajos basin in Brazil. Its translucent lemon-yellow flanks, striking red upper eye and black-and-yellow fin edging make it a subtly beautiful shoaler that colours up best in a mature, well-planted tank kept in a decent-sized group.
Care
Keep in a shoal of 6+ (ideally 10 or more) in soft to medium, slightly acidic water with gentle flow and plenty of planting. A larger group suppresses the mild fin-flaring squabbles males have.
Diet
Undemanding micro-omnivore that grazes small invertebrates and organic matter; feed a varied diet of dry foods plus frequent frozen or live micro-foods to bring out the yellow colouration.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (85)
Avoid (24)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.