lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis)

Family: Characidae

lemon tetra — a Characidae from 南美洲及菲律宾, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 2.8–4.2 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 23–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.5–8
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
2.8–4.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
南美洲及菲律宾

Species overview

Characidae species Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis comes from 南美洲及菲律宾. A mid-water shoaler whose colour and courage arrive together, with the group. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.8–4.2 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Dark substrate, gentle light, big school — the three levers for this fish. Maintain 23–28 °C at pH 5.5–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
  • Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
  • Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; no parental care